What to Know
- State regulators have denied a water quality permit for a controversial 24-mile underwater pipeline
- The pipeline would bring natural gas from Pennsylvania to the area
- Environmental groups bashed it, while backers say it's crucial for meeting rising demand for natural gas in New York City and Long Island
State regulators have denied a water quality permit for a 24-mile underwater pipeline that has drawn protests from environmental groups while backers say it's crucial for meeting rising demand for natural gas in New York City and Long Island.
The Northeast Supply Enhancement project from New Jersey to Queens would expand the Transco pipeline, which extends from Texas to the Northeast coast. It would allow National Grid to bring natural gas from Pennsylvania's shale gas fields to the metropolitan region.
Environmental groups say it threatens marine life and extends reliance on fossil fuels rather than renewable energy sources.
The permit denial was announced Wednesday. A spokesman for pipeline developer Williams Partners says it will quickly resubmit the application.
New Jersey regulators must also decide on the project by June 5.
