New York regulators approved a water-quality permit for a controversial pipeline transporting natural gas from Pennsylvania. The Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline (NESE) has faced opposition from climate activists in New York City, who oppose gas infrastructure expansion. New York had previously rejected the project three times over water quality concerns.
The Williams Cos. pipeline will extend an existing structure, connecting off the coast of New Jersey and Staten Island to pipes in Queens. New Jersey also approved permits for the project. New York City laws, including Local Law 97 and Local Law 154, require building electrification and a shift to cleaner energy sources like renewables.
Alex Beauchamp, northeast region director at Food and Water Watch, expressed disappointment with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision. “By granting the water quality certificate, the governor has sided with the oil and gas industry,” Beauchamp commented. Conversely, Williams’ CEO, Chad Zamarin, stated the project aims to deliver “clean and reliable energy” while supporting economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The pipeline’s resurfacing follows a dispute over the Empire Wind offshore project, halted by the Trump administration. Construction resumed post-discussions between Hochul and Trump. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wrote on platform X that Hochul would advance pipeline capacity.
The NESE pipeline re-entered regulatory processes in August. Although Hochul denied any White House agreement, the Trump administration claims she “caved” on construction, as reported by Politico’s E&E News. Katherine Nadeau from Environmental Advocates NY highlighted the pipeline’s risks to water quality and marine life.
In 2020, the Department of Environmental Conservation found the pipeline could significantly impact water quality by resuspending sediments and contaminants. Mark Izeman from the Natural Resources Defense Council indicated it would disrupt over 20 miles of harbor floor, counteracting investments in water quality improvement.
In September, the state’s Public Service Commission said the pipeline could meet energy needs, addressing federal regulator concerns over gas system reliability during storms. Recently, a coalition sued the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for reissuing Williams’ certificate. A senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council argued the regulator lacks legal authority for the project.
Opposition crosses party lines, with ten Democratic congressional delegates, including U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Republican Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella voicing concern. Fossella’s letter to the Department of Environmental Conservation warned of threats to marine life and water quality near Staten Island. Izeman indicated plans to file a lawsuit challenging New York’s permit issuance.
Environmental groups, including Beauchamp’s, plan protests against the pipeline to pressure Hochul. Beauchamp suggests the focus will be on Hochul, stating, “The core problem in New York politics on climate is Governor Hochul.” In a statement to THE CITY, Hochul emphasized impartial project review compliance with state and federal laws.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org