ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS VOW TO CHALLENGE FERC’S FLAWED APPROVAL OF UNNEEDED REAE FOSSIL FUEL PROJECT

TRENTON – A coalition of environmental organizations are disappointed that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted to grant a certificate for a Williams Co. subsidiary to move forward with a project to expand natural gas compressor stations in Branchburg and Old Bridge and build a new compressor station in West Deptford.

While disappointed, the coalition is not giving up the fight. They will file a motion for rehearing with FERC and are also asking the Murphy administration and its Pennsylvania counterparts to do the same. Both states should also use all available delegated state authority to deny the project.

The unneeded Regional Energy Access Expansion (REAE) project will expand the fossil fuel infrastructure in the Garden State, increasing the state’s overall greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 16%, and perpetuate the state’s dependence on dirty energy sources. The project also risks exposing communities already overburdened by the impacts of climate change to a major source of air pollution as well as increased risk of leaks, fires, and explosions.

The FERC decision ignores a New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Ratepayer Advocate filing with FERC that found the REAE project to be unnecessary for the state’s energy supply. A BPU commissioned report shows current gas infrastructure will be able to meet demand through 2030, even during peak usage in cold winter weather.

“FERC didn’t listen when we said we don’t need this dirty fossil fuel project. We’re grateful the New Jersey BPU and Ratepayer Advocate filed a motion to intervene, and now we must use every tool in the toolbox to prevent this project from ever being built, and we implore the Murphy Administration to do the same. It’s bad for ratepayers, bad for the climate, and bad for the overall health of all New Jerseyans,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “REAE will undermine New Jersey’s goal of reducing greenhouse gasses 50% by 2030 and would actually lead to a 16% increase in our total greenhouse gas output annually. We can’t make progress if we take one step forward and two steps back.”

“It is outrageous that FERC would approve Transco’s dirty, dangerous and unnecessary pipeline expansion project. But it’s far from a done deal; the Murphy administration can protect New Jersey communities by blocking this awful fossil fuel scheme. If Governor Murphy wants to be a climate leader, he must stop the Williams REAE project,” said Kate Delany, Food & Water Watch Senior Organizer.

“It’s clear that FERC has ignored evidence from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities that there is no need for additional gas capacity in New Jersey,” said Tom Gilbert, campaign director, ReThink Energy NJ, and co-executive director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation. “The Murphy administration should continue its efforts to protect New Jerseyans from this unneeded, polluting project by challenging FERC’s flawed approval.  It is bad for New Jersey’s clean energy future and ratepayers’ pockets, and would increase pollution in low-income communities and communities of color.”

“FERC’s decision to approve this project flies in the face of the law, the evidence, and the public interest. It is particularly surprising, given that earlier this year, FERC appeared to reaffirm its commitment to meaningfully grapple with project need data, and to consider state PUC’s input. Its decision shows it has done none of those things for this project,”said Jennifer Danis, Senior Staff Attorney at Niskanen Center.

“FERC’s rubber stamp approval of Transco’s REAE pipeline project is a huge disappointment to the hardworking residents who have fought to protect their private property, natural resources, clean air, and water from the damage this pipeline would cause. This project is entirely unwanted, unnecessary and threatens some of the most exceptional value waterways in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, while the additional compressor stations and expansions threaten air quality in communities across both states.  We will continue to oppose this project and all other fossil fuel infrastructure threats to our environment, public health and safety, and our climate,” Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Clean Air Council Executive Director and Chief Counsel.

“Once again FERC rubber stamped another fossil fuel project that is unneeded in New Jersey. William Transco’s REAE will continue to threaten our public health and environment. It will contribute to an increase of methane gas releases and exacerbate climate change. Additionally, REAE would bring more noise, light, and air and water pollution to the area that are a danger to public health. There is no need for more natural gas in New Jersey, and our residents certainly do not need to be paying for it,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, New Jersey Director of the Sierra Club. “The expansion of more fossil fuel projects like the REAE will make it more difficult to advance clean renewable energy investments, and for New Jersey to meet its GHG emission commitments.”

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