New York Again Opposes Williams’ Constitution Pipeline Project
Oklahoma-based Williams Companies, the nation’s largest transporter of natural gas, is facing renewed opposition in New York as it seeks to revive construction of the long-stalled Constitution Pipeline project.
The 125-mile natural gas pipeline, proposed to move gas from Pennsylvania into New York, drew sharp criticism this week from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
State Files Formal Opposition With FERC
In an official notice filed Wednesday with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the DEC said it opposes Constitution Pipeline Company LLC’s request for the commission to reissue a federal certificate allowing construction to begin. The state agency also warned that additional legal action remains on the table.
“There should be no question whether the Project as submitted will harm State water quality––it will,” the agency argued in its filing.
The DEC said the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals has already upheld the agency’s denial of the pipeline’s Water Quality Certification (WQC) after determining the company failed to demonstrate compliance with New York’s water quality standards.
Environmental Impacts Cited by New York
In its filing, the DEC detailed what it described as extensive environmental impacts tied to the proposed project, including:
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Approximately 250 stream crossings
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87 streams supporting trout or trout spawning
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More than 80 acres of freshwater wetlands
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Nearly 500 acres of interior forest surrounding streams and wetlands
The agency stated these impacts remain unresolved and argued that construction would violate state environmental protections.
Legal Challenges Still Possible
The DEC also made clear that its opposition may not end with the current filing.
“In submitting this Motion and Protest, the Department reserves all of its rights to raise additional jurisdictional objections to any proceedings on these dockets and to seek appropriate judicial relief,” the agency stated, adding that any FERC action contrary to Second Circuit rulings would be challenged.
Williams Seeks Federal Relief
Williams, headquartered in Tulsa, operates a 30,000-mile-plus pipeline network that transports roughly 30% of the nation’s natural gas for electricity generation, heating, and industrial use.
The company has pursued approval of the Constitution Pipeline since at least 2014, when the DEC issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement that acknowledged “the likelihood for adverse environmental impacts from the Project.” That assessment was finalized in October 2014.
In its latest filings, Williams has asked FERC to determine that the DEC waived its authority under the Clean Water Act, a position New York strongly disputes.
The state contends the company is attempting to bypass environmental review requirements and erode New York’s regulatory authority.
“New York will continue to take the reins to ensure the full protection of public health and our state’s natural resources,” the agency stated.