News Summary
A coalition of business interests from Long Island is rallying support for the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) gas pipeline project proposed by National Grid. Despite significant opposition concerning climate impacts and environmental risks, the project aims to transport natural gas from New Jersey to New York City and Long Island. The Public Service Commission is currently reviewing National Grid’s gas supply plan, which heavily features the NESE pipeline, amid ongoing public concerns about costs and ecological effects.
New York – A coalition of over a dozen business interests primarily from Long Island has come forward in support of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project, a contentious gas pipeline proposal by National Grid. The project aims to transport natural gas underwater from New Jersey to New York City and Long Island, amid ongoing concerns about climate change and environmental impacts.
The New York state utility regulator, the Public Service Commission (PSC), is currently reviewing National Grid’s long-term gas supply plan, which has become heavily focused on this pipeline project. This plan was initiated more than a year ago, and the PSC’s review comes at a critical time as community opposition continues to grow.
The NESE pipeline has faced significant backlash in past years, with rejections from state regulators that led to its temporary shelving. However, discussions between President Donald Trump and Governor Kathy Hochul have reignited interest in the project, resulting in a renewed push for approval. National Grid asserts that the pipeline is necessary to meet increasing power demand and to potentially lower electricity costs for consumers.
Letters of support have been submitted to the PSC by various business interests, many of which exhibit similar language, suggesting that they may have coordinated with lobbying firms. These letters have emerged as a counter to the thousands of public comments opposing the NESE project, which cite climate change, potential pollution of New York Bay, and projected construction costs exceeding $3 billion as major concerns.
Critics of the pipeline have highlighted that National Grid estimates it could increase monthly gas bills for customers in the downstate area by an average of $7.50. Traffic on public opinion appears heavily counter to the project, with concerns raised about the reliability of gas supply and health impacts from contaminants that could be disturbed during construction.
National Grid defends the need for more gas, claiming that reliability issues could arise without the pipeline and that such an addition could potentially reduce dependence on oil, thereby contributing indirectly to climate change mitigation efforts.
Public comments are expected to remain an influential aspect of the PSC’s decision-making process as the comment period for National Grid’s gas plan closes on September 5. The ongoing opposition likely indicates a complex relationship between regulatory agencies, environmental policy, and business interests.
Concerns about environmental impacts have led to significant scrutiny of the NESE project. Marine life disruptions and potential health issues resulting from construction are at the forefront of discussions surrounding the pipeline. Additionally, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez has opposed the project, highlighting risks it poses to marine ecosystems and public health.
The idea that the revival of the NESE pipeline could be politically motivated has also been posited, with pressures from federal and state administrations to expedite drilling and extraction processes appearing to influence the situation. Despite the support from business groups, some have acknowledged an overlap in the letters submitted, while denying direct input from National Grid in drafting their communications.
As the gas supply plan review progresses, the ongoing debate over the NESE pipeline illustrates the complexities of energy infrastructure development in relation to environmental sustainability and the power dynamics between government, business, and public interests.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- QuiverQuant: Velázquez Expresses Concerns Over NESE Project
- Natural Gas Intel: Reviving Constitution and NESE
- ENR: Revival of Northeast Gas Line Projects
- NY Focus: Trump, Hochul, and the Pipeline Debate
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
