FERC Grants 2-Year Extension for NESE – Shameful

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has granted Williams Transco’s Request for Extension of Time. This gives Transco two more years to construct the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project (NESE) in order to “obtain the required permits and construct the authorized facilities.” “FERC’s decision came after overwhelming opposition from various groups, over 1,400 comments and denials of water permits from both NJ and NY.

“It is completely shameful that Transco is back, again. FERC has granted them two more years to try to get permits even though both New Jersey and New York denied their permits last year. Now New Jersey needs to step up and use the 401 Water Quality Certificate to stop this project once and for all,” said Taylor McFarland, Chapter Coordinator, Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter. “We’ve beat Transco twice, and we’re going to keep fighting until we beat them again. This project is completely unnecessary. The gas companies get the money, New York gets the gas, and we get the pipe. We must continue to fight to stop this project to protect the public health and safety, and the environment.”

In May 2020, the NY Department of Environmental Conservation denied the NESE project, citing concerns over water quality and aquatic life. Within days, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection denied the Wetland and 401 Water Quality Permits for the project.

“This sham decision by FERC to permit Transco its extension flies in the face of overwhelming community opposition and rejections by New Jersey and New York of water permits. When a baseball batter strikes out, they don’t get to appeal and take another swing. Transco needs to be sent packing,” said Gary Frederick, Conservation Chair, Raritan Valley Group, Sierra Club- NJ Chapter.