NY Environmental Dept. to review two previously rejected pipeline projects
New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reviewing two natural gas pipeline propositions that were previously rejected for approvals. According to WSKG News, opponents of fracing have fought against the construction of new pipelines for decades. The state of New York imposed a fracing ban over 10 years ago.
Both pipelines in question were denied permits by the DEC previously. Opponents say the pipelines could impact water quality throughout the state.
The Constitution pipeline would span 125 miles from starting from Pennsylvania into Schoharie County, New York. The project is being run by Williams Companies, who says it would tap into the Marcellus Shale and provide enough natural gas to fulfill the needs of about 3 million homes in the Northeast.
The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project would run about 24 miles under New York Harbor with construction in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.
According to Williams Co., the NESE would connect two parts of existing pipelines to provide additional natural gas supply to New York City.
The NESE pipeline received a federal permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 2019, WSKG News reported. That permit expired in 2021 because the company did not build the pipeline within two years. The company reapplied for a new federal permit earlier this year.
A press conference was held last week, where environmental advocates and local legislators were able to voice their concerns. Attendees urged NY Governor Hochul to publicly denounce the projects.
Among the main concerns raised were the risk to local drinking water supply which comes from the Susquehanna River, as well as the potential impact on the region's economy.
The DEC public comment period for the NESE project was extended to August 16 the same day officials spoke out against it.
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