Externality costs are costs that affect parties who did not choose to incur those costs. All too often, these costs are not paid by the builders of the projects that inflict the costs, and the negative impacts are “absorbed” by the environment and local communities – neither of which benefit from the project itself. Methane gas pipelines have become poster child examples for externality costs imposed on the environment and communities through which the pipelines pass. The destruction of forests cannot be mitigated, yet Virginia is currently allowing two massive pipeline projects to proceed. The 40,645hp Atlantic Coast Pipeline compressor station to be built in Union Hill, Buckingham County will enrich Dominion directors and shareholders at the expense of Union Hill residents. The compressor station will emit toxic gases and noise 24/7. Elsewhere in the U.S., people living as much as two miles from compressor stations complain that the constant hissing sound disrupts sleep and prevents them from enjoying natural sounds during the day. Contrast this to solar gardens and rooftop solar installations. Tourism is a huge industry in Virginia. We should be striving to be a global leader in the installation of renewable energy. Climate change is already affecting our coastal cities with increased flooding. We need to leave fossil fuels in the ground and convert as quickly as possible to renewable energy sources. The term “fossil fuel” is a commonly used phrase, but it is likely that very few people could define what it actually means. More education is needed to make people aware of the implications for the mining and burning of fossil fuel. The younger people in our population will be the ones who pay the ultimate price of climate change for the lack of understanding and action by the “adults” of today. Externality costs must be fully charged to any person or company burning them. Cleanair is not free; clean water is not free.