After a four-year fight, organizations and citizens on both
sides of the ocean in the NY/NJ region are celebrating the strong bi-state
denial of permits on May 15 for the proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement
(NESE) pipeline project. All can salute NJ Governor Murphy and NJDEP, and NY
Governor Cuomo and NYDEC for recognizing that this project would have
devastated the environment.
The mighty Anti-NESE coalition, led by COA, earned a clear win
for the environment, economy, and the future.
COA galvanized a coalition of many grassroots groups who forged ahead in
challenging times, including repeated NESE applications, denials, and
withdrawals, and the current pandemic, which limited public participation and
rallying efforts.
Over the years, thousands of citizens signed multiple petitions
and hundreds of people attended rallies, meetings, and hearings. Pages of
comments from citizens and groups were submitted several times to state agencies.
Notably, 100% of the comments submitted to NJDEP for this latest application
were opposed to NESE.
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| On May 18th nearly 150 advocates from NJ and NY celebrated the victory over NESE together virtually via a Zoom rally |
Further, 21 NJ municipalities and the Monmouth County and
Somerset County Boards of Chosen Freeholders passed resolutions opposing NESE. Also,
independent research, supported by COA, was key in providing information to
agencies.
To mark this momentous victory, nearly 150 advocates from NJ
and NY celebrated together virtually via a Zoom rally on May 18th, complete
with upbeat music, stories and messages from coalition members, and campaign
photos. The company proposing NESE, Williams/Transco, indicated that it will
not reapply.
However, both states’ decisions legally allow the company to
file an Administrative appeal; the deadline to file an appeal in NY is June 14,
2020, and June 26, 2020 for NJ. While we must remain vigilant, we can revel in
this hard-won victory for our air, land, and water. Congratulations!
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