The final license for an underwater natural gas pipeline project between New Jersey and New York, supported by NJBIA, was unanimously approved by the Tidelands Resource Council on Wednesday.
The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project, which will deliver natural gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey to New York City via new pipelines beneath Raritan Bay and New York Harbor.
The project received FERC clearance last August and then earned state approvals from New Jersey and New York in November. The approval by the council yesterday represented the final regulatory approval allowing the project to move forward.
NJBIA has been actively and legally involved in the NESE project, which is owned by energy developer Williams.
Most recently, NJBIA has joined Williams as amicus on a Third Circuit case where environmentalists opposing the projects have challenged the issuance of a water quality certificate.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Cantor refuted complaints by some opposing that New Jersey residents would not benefit from the project.
“One state should not be in a position to deny energy resources to another state,” Cantor said. “That is why we have FERC overlooking the entire project.
“If we were to accept that proposition, then New Jersey would be at the whim of other states merely deciding to deny us our energy resources.”
Cantor also emphasized the economic benefits to the region by having an abundant supply of natural gas and the infrastructure to support it.
He said that the role of the council is not to second guess the need for the project as determined by FERC or the environmental approvals granted by both federal and state agencies.
“The Tidelands Council should recognize the decision made by other expert agencies and limit its role to establishing the price of the license and ensuring that navigation is protected and conflicts are avoided.”
The Tidelands Resource Council approved a utility license on Wednesday, although it also required a review of the project after seven years. Williams must also submit updated drawings as the project progresses and is required to leave land in the pipeline’s path, to protect it if the project is abandoned for any reason.
While there are still challenges in state and federal courts in New Jersey and New York, Williams anticipates construction to begin in the fall.
