Hochul Betrays Liberal Democrats as Pipelines Move Forward in New York

The long-contested Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline is back on track in New York after years of rejection sparking criticism from environmental advocates and ratepayer watchdogs who warn the project is both unnecessary and harmful.

Last month, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) accepted National Grid’s plan to rely on capacity from NESE, a project spearheaded by Tulsa-based Williams Companies. The pipeline would carry fracked gas from Pennsylvania, through New Jersey and under Raritan Bay, before reaching the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens.

The proposal had been denied in the past over water quality concerns with environmental activists concluding it posed serious risks to marine life and coastal communities. The NESE project has been paired with the controversial Constitution Pipeline in upstate New York, another project previously halted for environmental reasons but now finding new momentum.

What has raised eyebrows this time is not just the project itself, but the political maneuvering behind it. Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Governor Kathy Hochul and former President Donald Trump had reached an understanding to allow stalled pipeline projects to proceed in exchange for ensuring progress on the Empire Wind Project. The revelation fueled questions about whether Hochul, who previously expressed skepticism about new fossil fuel infrastructure, has backtracked for political expediency.

In the past, Hochul has defended an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy and stopped short of categorically opposing natural gas projects, unlike other New York Democrats who have drawn a hard line. Her current posture on NESE has fueled accusations that she is bending under pressure from utilities and Washington politics rather than standing firm on climate goals.

Critics argue the state fast-tracked the PSC order without meaningful public debate.

“The idea that there has been a long discussion and plenty of opportunity to kind of dig into the facts about this is just not so,” said Christopher Casey, Utility Regulatory Director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “I have never seen the commission come out with an order less than two weeks after the parties to the case filed comments and I think it would be extremely difficult for them to actually consider in such a short time and incorporate them into their decision.”

Casey added that the utility’s forecasting is outdated: “We thought the estimate of those benefits was really flawed. It was dependent on the coldest weather year that has ever happened to occur every single year for the course of this pipeline. And that’s just a really unrealistic assumption of what’s going to occur, especially when we are in a warming world where winters are not getting colder and colder. They’re overall getting warmer and warmer.”

National Grid, however, praised the decision.

“The PSC order today affirms our determination that the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline project is needed for enhanced reliability of our gas network,” said National Grid New York President Sally Librera. She echoed Hochul’s energy stance, adding: “National Grid is committed to delivering secure, affordable, and clean energy to the communities we serve. As New York’s power needs continue to grow and evolve, we believe the all-of-the-above energy strategy endorsed by Governor Hochul is essential to maintaining a resilient power network for millions of New Yorkers.”

PSC spokesperson James Denn attempted to clarify, telling Radio Catskill: “The PSC did not vote to approve NESE. The PSC accepted National Grid’s gas system long-term reliability plan that states that NESE is needed to meet an energy reliability need. The permitting process for NESE is ongoing and does not involve PSC.”

The approval marks another flashpoint in Hochul’s energy record. Despite New York’s ambitious climate goals, Hochul’s willingness to allow a pipeline once rejected over environmental hazards has reinforced criticism that she talks tough on clean energy while quietly striking deals that undercut it.

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Hochul Betrays Liberal Democrats as Pipelines Move Forward in New York