Governor Hochul’s energy program aims to oppose the proposed pipeline initiative from Trump.
Donald Trump is seeking to revive two significant natural gas pipeline projects—the Constitution Pipeline and the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline—that have previously faced considerable opposition in New York. In a recent move, pipeline company Williams filed paperwork aimed at resurrecting these contentious fossil fuel initiatives designed to transport fracked gas from Pennsylvania into New York. Both projects were formally rejected by state regulators amid widespread public resistance; the Constitution Pipeline faced denial under the Clean Water Act after extensive grassroots protests, while NESE encountered multiple permit rejections before Williams eventually withdrew its proposal.
The resurgence of these projects has raised alarms among environmental advocates and public officials. Critics argue that both pipelines pose serious risks to public health and contradict New York’s established climate and water protection protocols. The Constitution Pipeline, for instance, was slated to traverse forests and intersect numerous waterways. Its denial was based on the inability to meet Clean Water Act standards, a decision reaffirmed in subsequent court rulings. Similarly, NESE was rejected due to concerns about its impact on water quality and its incompatibility with the state’s ambitious climate goals.
Challenging these proposals further complicates the landscape of New York’s ongoing climate crisis. As the urgency of the climate situation escalates, developing further fracked gas infrastructure is increasingly seen as incompatible with a sustainable future. The potential risks associated with these pipelines are grave, including the disturbance of toxic sediments in waterways and harmful effects on vulnerable marine life. Incidents involving Williams, the developer behind both pipelines, have raised concerns given their troubling track record of safety violations, explosions, and fires.
Despite this backdrop, Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent actions have generated concern regarding her administration’s commitment to climate initiatives. Earlier this year, her approval of the Iroquois pipeline expansion through the Hudson Valley was met with public backlash, indicating a possible shift away from New York’s commitment to fossil fuel reduction. New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates a swift transition away from fossil fuels, yet missed deadlines have cast doubt on the state’s trajectory.
Critics emphasize the economic implications of supporting new fossil fuel infrastructure. Research indicates that an overabundance of gas pipelines has resulted in excessive investments, burdening utility customers without justifiable demand for additional gas supply. Approving new pipelines could lead to stranded assets that ultimately impose financial burdens on consumers.
The public sentiment in New York strongly favors sustainable environmental practices, as demonstrated by the 2022 passage of the Environmental Bond Act, which received nearly 68% voter approval. Such a mandate underscores the need for Governor Hochul to stand firm in her commitment to environmental protection and resist any moves to reinstate outdated fossil fuel projects.
As Trump continues to advocate for these pipelines, it is crucial for the governor to reaffirm New York’s commitment to its environmental policies. The path forward requires decisive leadership that prioritizes the interests of New Yorkers over fossil fuel expansion. Failure to take a strong stance against these revived proposals could compromise the state’s environmental achievements and public health. The future of New York’s climate policy hangs in the balance, and decisive action is required to ensure that the commitment to sustainability prevails over short-term fossil fuel interests.
