New York Governor Approves Pipeline Permit That Was Rejected Five Years Ago

As The Hill recently reported, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a permit allowing construction of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline, which would bring gas from Pennsylvania to Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, to go forward. The state had rejected a permit for the project in 2020.

In a statement, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) cited the state’s energy needs as justification for the approved permit and said her administration is taking an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy development. “As governor, a top priority is making sure the lights and heat stay on for all New Yorkers as we face potential energy shortages downstate as soon as next summer,” Gov. Hochul said. “And while I have expressed an openness to natural gas, I have also been crystal clear that all proposed projects must be reviewed impartially by the required agencies to determine compliance with state and federal laws. I am comfortable that in approving the permits, including a water quality certification, for the NESE application, the DEC did just that.”

The decision comes after New York’s grid operator warned recently that the state could soon face reliability challenges if it does not build additional energy infrastructure.

Read more about the project at this link.