Current:Home > InvestOne natural gas transport plan killed in New Jersey as another forges ahead -Wealth Nexus Pro
One natural gas transport plan killed in New Jersey as another forges ahead
View
Date:2025-04-13 00:45:55
KEYPORT, N.J. (AP) — A major pipeline that would have moved natural gas through New Jersey and under two bays to New York has been killed, but another plan to transport liquefied gas from Pennsylvania by tanker truck is moving forward.
Environmentalists who had fought both projects reacted Monday to the mixed bag they were handed on Friday when the two proposals took differing pathways with federal regulators.
That was the day that Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Williams Companies, which owns a nearly 10,000-mile (16,000-kilometer) expanse of pipelines called Transco, allowed its Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline project to end. Williams told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission it was allowing a key construction application to expire, saying it would not seek an extension for it.
The decision heartened a wide group of environmental and community groups who had fought the proposal for eight years, saying it would further the burning of fossil fuels and contribute to climate change, while also degrading air and water quality and creating safety concerns in communities along its route.
Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action, called the development “an extraordinary victory, a David and Goliath moment.”
Using the project’s acronym, she said, “NESE has gasped its last gassy breath. It means the project has died, and we won!”
In a statement to The Associated Press on Monday, Williams confirmed it is no longer pursuing a certificate from the federal agency that would allow it to continue the project.
“While Williams continues to believe in the fundamentals of the Northeast Supply Enhancement project and its ability to provide a cleaner and more affordable alternative to costly heating oil for consumers, at this time, we have decided not to pursue an extension of the certificate,” it said.
It would have included a gas-fired compressor station in Franklin Township, and the installation of more than 23 miles (37 kilometers) of pipeline through the Raritan and Lower New York bays en route to the Rockaway section of Queens in New York City.
Also on Friday, two companies said they remain committed to their proposed project to liquefy natural gas and transport it through Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Delaware River Partners and Bradford County Real Estate Partners told the same agency that they do not intend to cancel a facility in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, to liquefy natural gas and transport it to an export facility in Gibbstown, New Jersey, by tanker truck instead of by rail as originally proposed. Last September, federal regulators suspended authorization to transport liquefied natural gas by rail.
“The last thing we need is even more dangerous methane gas extracted from Pennsylvania, shipped through our communities by truck, and exported overseas,” said Patrick Grenter, a campaign director with the Sierra Club. “This decision is unnecessary and reckless, and the Sierra Club is prepared to continue fighting this project until it is officially canceled.”
The companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.
But in a filing to the agency on Friday, Bradford said its Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, facility is designed to not need rail cars, and is “unimpacted” by the federal moratorium on such transport. For that reason, the company is proceeding with its plans, it wrote.
___
Follow Wayne Parry on X, formerly Twitter, at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC
veryGood! (3996)
Related
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Emergency services on scene after more than 30 trapped in church roof collapse
- David Beckham reflects on highs and lows in ‘Beckham’ doc, calls it an ‘emotional rollercoaster’
- Ed Sheeran says he's breaking free from industry pressures with new album Autumn Variations: I don't care what people think
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- McCaffrey scores 4 TDs to lead the 49ers past the Cardinals 35-16
- AP PHOTOS: Asian Games wrap up their first week in Hangzhou, China
- A woman who fled the Maui wildfire on foot has died after weeks in a hospital burn unit
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Native Hawaiian neighborhood survived Maui fire. Lahaina locals praise its cultural significance
Ranking
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- New York Mets manager Buck Showalter not returning in 2024 after disappointing season
- Will Russia, Belarus compete in Olympics? It depends. Here's where key sports stand
- Tim Wakefield, longtime Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher, dies at 57
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- David Beckham reflects on highs and lows in ‘Beckham’ doc, calls it an ‘emotional rollercoaster’
- Yemen’s state-run airline suspends the only route out of Sanaa over Houthi restrictions on its funds
- Seaplane hits power line, crashes into Ohio river; 2 taken to hospital with minor injuries
Recommendation
Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
AP Top 25: Georgia’s hold on No. 1 loosens, but top seven unchanged. Kentucky, Louisville enter poll
NFL in London highlights: How Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars topped Falcons in Week 4 victory
Tim Wakefield, longtime Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher, dies at 57
Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
Watch every touchdown from Bills' win over Dolphins and Cowboys' victory over Patriots
As Diamondbacks celebrate 'unbelievable' playoff berth, Astros keep eyes on bigger prize
Calgary Flames executive Chris Snow dies at 42 after defying ALS odds for years