Environmentalists in New Jersey and New York are celebrating a major victory as a proposed natural gas pipeline project has been officially scrapped. The Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, which would have transported natural gas through New Jersey and under two bays to New York, was halted by Tulsa-based Williams Companies.
After eight years of opposition from environmental and community groups, Williams decided not to seek an extension for the project, citing concerns about climate change, air and water quality, and safety in local communities. Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action, called the decision a “David and Goliath moment” and declared victory over the project.
While the cancellation of the pipeline project is seen as a win for environmentalists, another plan to transport liquefied natural gas from Pennsylvania to New Jersey by tanker truck is still moving forward. Despite federal regulators suspending authorization to transport liquefied natural gas by rail, Delaware River Partners and Bradford County Real Estate Partners are committed to their project.
Environmental groups like the Sierra Club are continuing to oppose the liquefied natural gas project, expressing concerns about the extraction of methane gas in Pennsylvania, transportation through communities by truck, and export overseas. The companies involved have not yet commented on the opposition but have stated their intention to proceed with their plans.
The cancellation of the pipeline project and the ongoing battle over the liquefied natural gas project highlight the ongoing debate over energy infrastructure and environmental concerns in the region.