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Natural gas

Congresswoman Velazquez Opposes Proposed Fracked Gas Pipeline Expansion in New York

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) has submitted a comment letter expressing concerns about the revival of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project, a proposed expansion of the Transco natural gas pipeline. The project, which would carry fracked gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and under the NY/NJ Harbor, poses significant risks to sensitive marine ecosystems and contradicts New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019. The proposed pipeline expansion would not only endanger marine life but also expose New Yorkers to toxic contaminants and lock the state into decades of fossil fuel dependence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project would be the largest fracked gas pipeline approved in New York State in a decade, if advanced.
  • The project would carry fracked gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and under the NY/NJ Harbor, posing risks to sensitive marine ecosystems.
  • The project contradicts New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, which mandates a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and an 85% reduction by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
  • The construction of the pipeline would likely unearth and release harmful contaminants, including mercury, lead, arsenic, and PCBs, into New York Harbor.
  • The toxins would threaten marine life such as whales, seals, and dolphins that have recently begun to return to the city's waterways and pose serious human health risks.
  • The project would expose New Yorkers to toxic contaminants and lock the state into decades of fossil fuel dependence.
  • The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) previously rejected a key permit for the project in 2020.

Statistics:

  • The proposed pipeline would carry fracked gas through New Jersey and under the NY/NJ Harbor.
  • The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 mandates a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
  • The Act also mandates an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
  • The construction of the pipeline would likely unleash 10,000 pounds of toxic chemicals into New York Harbor, including mercury, lead, arsenic, and PCBs.
  • The toxins would pose serious human health risks to New Yorkers, as well as threaten marine life such as whales, seals, and dolphins.

Sources:

  • Office of Rep. Nydia Velazquez, "Congresswoman Velazquez Submits Comment Letter on Proposed Fracked Gas Pipeline"
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), "Rejection of Key Permit for Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Project" (2020)
  • Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019, "New York State Legislature"

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