Hundreds Attend "Last Chance Rally for Bay & Ocean" to Oppose the NESE Pipeline

Speakers from left to right: Doug O'Malley, Environment New Jersey; Ed Potosnack, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters; Tara Clark, Hazlet Councilwoman; Tony Perry, Mayor of Middletown; Cindy Zipf, Clean Ocean Action; Peter Blair, Esq., Clean Ocean Action (speaking); Gerry Scharfenberger, Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders; Patricia Snell, Middletown Committeewoman; Michael Nikolis, Deputy Mayor of Holmdel; Kin Gee, CHARGE/RAGE; John Weber, Surfrider Mid-Atlantic; Nick Simon representing  Congressman Frank Pallone

Citizens stand united on beach at Raritan Bay and tell Gov. Murphy to permanently "say no" to NESE

On Friday, May 31 about one hundred citizens, elected officials, business owners, and climate activists gathered at Bayshore Waterfront Park to oppose the NESE Pipeline. Attendees called on Governor Murphy and the NJDEP to deny crucial permits for the construction of the pipeline and compressor station. If approved, the 23.4 miles offshore pipeline would slice the Raritan Bay in half, contaminating waters, killing marine life, and setting the region back decades in terms of water quality improvements.

The outpouring to defend the bay and ocean is inspiring. Together, COA citizens, businesses, and towns have worked hard and spent millions to improve these waters. The whales, fish, clams, seal and people are all back enjoying the cleaner water. COA will fight any proposed harm to these remarkable and valuable resources. Governor Murphy must send Williams back to Oklahoma.

Following the rally, Governor Murphy denied the permits but left the door open for Willams to reapply which has already happened. See related article (above) for more info. See COA’s blog for the full story and the “Say NO to NESE” video.