Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23) and several Congressional colleagues from New York and Pennsylvania have called on Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider her administration’s opposition to the Northern Access Pipeline and other natural gas infrastructure projects. In a letter sent Thursday, the lawmakers criticized the state’s interpretation of the Clean Water Act (CWA), which they say has hindered critical energy developments.
Langworthy emphasized the economic and energy implications of the $500 million pipeline project, which had received federal approval but was blocked by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). “This action has once again robbed our state of a key opportunity for greater energy security,” the letter stated, pointing to increased costs, delays, and a loss of regional energy benefits.
The lawmakers highlighted the pipeline’s potential to bring affordable natural gas to the Northeast, Midwest, and Canada while supporting job creation in New York’s Southern Tier. According to their estimates, the project would have created 1,680 construction jobs and delivered significant local tax revenues to rural counties.
House Republicans have pushed back on state-level restrictions by passing the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1). The legislation aims to prevent states from using broad CWA interpretations to block federally approved projects, potentially clearing the path for stalled energy initiatives like the Northern Access Pipeline.
The letter was co-signed by Representatives Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), and several others. The coalition urged Hochul to reconsider her administration’s policies, citing both economic and energy security concerns.
Governor Hochul has not yet responded publicly to the letter.
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