New York Pipeline Approval Draws Fire from Environmental Advocates
ALBANY, NY – Environmental Advocates NY sharply criticized today’s decision by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve National Grid‘s Long Term gas Plan, a move that paves the way for the controversial Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline project. The approval reignites a battle over the pipeline’s potential environmental and economic impacts, and draws condemnation from groups advocating for a transition away from fossil fuels.
The PSC’s decision supports the development of the NESE pipeline, proposed to run underwater near New York City. Environmental advocates argue the project is unneeded, costly to ratepayers, and undermines New York’s climate goals. This approval follows two previous rejections of the project and comes amidst heightened concerns over the future of clean energy initiatives.
“Today’s flawed decision by the PSC clears the path for the harmful and costly NESE Pipeline,” stated Katherine Nadeau, Deputy Executive Director, Policy and Programs at Environmental Advocates NY. “It is a perilous capitulation to President Trump’s anti-climate and anti-clean energy agenda, and it puts New Yorkers directly at risk.”
The NESE pipeline has faced opposition due to concerns about threats to health, safety, water quality, and marine life. Critics point to National Grid’s own analysis, which they claim demonstrates the project is not needed. Environmental Advocates NY contends the approval locks New York into a continued reliance on fossil fuels, a future they deem unsustainable.
Despite the PSC’s approval,the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) still holds the power to halt the project.Advocates are urging the DEC to deny the pipeline’s water quality certification, citing previously identified environmental harms. The DEC’s decision will be a critical next step in determining the fate of the NESE pipeline.
