New York Pipeline Advancing Towards Approval Sparks Controversy Amidst Allegations of Compromise with Trump
The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project, a 37-mile gas pipeline from New Jersey to Long Island, is seeking permits to resume construction after a previous cancellation in May 2024 [1][5]. The project, if approved, would add a new link to a network that spans from Texas to Long Island.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has extended the public comment period for the project until August 16, 2025, indicating ongoing administrative consideration [1][5]. However, the DEC did not add any public hearings, unlike the 2019 review which included a 45-day comment period and two public hearings.
The project's revival has sparked controversy, with allegations of a political arrangement between former President Donald Trump and current New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Reports suggest that the pipeline's resurgence came shortly after a May 2025 meeting between them [2][4]. Trump reportedly offered to lift a stop-work order on the Empire Offshore Wind Project, supported by Hochul, in exchange for support on gas pipeline projects like NESE.
Hochul’s office denies any deal was made, stating the governor supports a broad energy strategy including renewables and natural gas, with all projects subject to impartial legal and regulatory review [2]. However, environmentalists criticize this as undermining New York's climate mandates and term it a "backroom deal" [2][4].
New York City Democrats, including Reps. Jerry Nadler and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have pushed to stall the pipeline by extending public comment periods and calling for further scrutiny amidst concerns about environmental impact and climate goals [4]. Local protests and public opposition continue to challenge the pipeline [2][3].
Kim Fraczek, director of the climate group Sane Energy Project, expressed hope that Governor Hochul will ultimately block the pipeline, while Colin Kinniburgh, in a trial for New York's Landmark Climate Law, criticized the shortened public comment period for the NESE project [3]. Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizen's energy program, accused Governor Hochul of keeping up an "illicit bargain" with Trump [4].
Williams, the energy company behind the NESE project, revealed it was reapplying for approval from New York regulators for NESE and the Constitution Pipeline project. According to application documents, Williams plans to start construction on NESE as soon as this fall [3].
The White House spokesperson did not directly address the alleged deal but stated that bringing more pipelines to the northeast would save New Yorkers money [2]. Harrison Fields, a White House deputy press secretary, stated that Trump's energy agenda is reducing energy prices, reducing reliance on foreign oil, and prioritizing domestic energy production [2].
In summary, the NESE pipeline project is actively seeking permits as of mid-2025, with public comment periods extended through August 16, 2025 [1][5]. There are allegations that Governor Hochul and Trump made a political arrangement involving the pipeline and offshore wind projects; Hochul denies any formal deal [2][4]. The project faces significant opposition from environmental groups, local officials, and some Democrats concerned about New York’s climate commitments [2][3][4].
- The NESE project, a gas pipeline from New Jersey to Long Island, is seeking permits to resume construction as of mid-2025.
- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has extended the public comment period for the project until August 16, 2025.
- The project's revival has sparked controversy, with allegations of a political arrangement between former President Donald Trump and current New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
- Environmentalists criticize Governor Hochul's support for the NESE project as undermining New York's climate mandates.
- Local protests and public opposition continue to challenge the NESE pipeline, with environmental groups advocating for renewable energy solutions.
- Williams, the energy company behind the NESE project, plans to start construction on NESE as soon as this fall.
- The White House, while not directly addressing the alleged deal, emphasizes that bringing more pipelines to the northeast would save New Yorkers money and prioritize domestic energy production.
