New York blocks ‘gas pipeline’ again

Bloomberg

New York has again denied a key permit for a controversial $1 billion natural gas pipeline being developed by Williams Cos.
The state’s Department of
Environmental Conservation rejected Williams’ latest application for a water permit for its Northeast Supply Enhancement project after denying the pipeline the same permit last year. The conduit was at the crux of a standoff between Governor Andrew Cuomo and National Grid as the utility imposed a moratorium on gas hookups.
The New York State DEC said it determined construction of the project “would result in significant water quality impacts” and cited a report by National Grid that “identified additional options that would meet the projected gap between demand and supply of natural gas.”
Williams said that it was “disappointed” with the decision and continues “to believe that the fundamentals of our project align with New York’s clean energy goals because it would have improved local air quality and, at the same time, supported economic development.”