NY-NJ Natural Gas Pipeline Deemed ‘an Environmentally Acceptable Action’
- Posted on March 19, 2012 at 12:23pm by
Liz Klimas
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A proposed natural gas pipeline expansion project in New York and New Jersey, which cross nearly 30 bodies of water including the Hudson River and involves the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing, has been endorsed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s report as “an environmentally acceptable action.”
According to the environmental impact statement released by the group late last week, the plan for the 20 miles of new pipeline as part of the Spectra Energy of Houston’s New Jersey – New York Expansion Project would have some limited adverse effects on the environment, but measures suggested would reduce those effects. The FERC report states that the impacts of the project, if the measures proposed by Texas Eastern Transmission, LP’s (Texas Eastern) and Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC’s (Algonquin) and additional measures recommended in the EIS, were taken, the environmental “impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels.”
(Image: Spectra Energy of Houston)
The New York Times’ Green blog states that the pipeline would be the first in 40 years to reach New York City and it therefore is supported by Mayor Michael Bloomberg as a way to anticipate future demand. Opponents cite health and environmental concerns associated by hydr0-fracking. The Times has more:
Opponents on both sides of the Hudson have cited safety concerns, including the possibility of accidental explosions in the densely populated path of the pipeline. Many opponents also argue that the project reflects a push by the natural gas industry to create infrastructure for new supplies of shale gas extracted through the controversial process known as horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or hydrofracking.
[...]
Spectra officials say the project has undergone considerable modifications to meet safety concerns and it now exceeds federal requirements. In its final report, the regulatory commission’s staff said any adverse effects would be “limited,” occurring mostly during the construction phase, and it recommended measures to minimize them.
One example of the recommendations that would be taken to mitigate adverse environmental effects, according to the FERC report, includes specified drilling methods at the 26 bodies of water that would be near the pipeline.
The Times reports that next steps for the project to move forward is a vote by the FERC’s five-member commission. The recommendations made in the impact statement will be taken into consideration as part of the decision process.
The statement was developed through evaluation of the project’s effect on “geology; soils; groundwater; surface waters; wetlands; vegetation; wildlife and aquatic resources; special status species; land use, recreation, special interest areas, and visual resources; socioeconomics (including transportation and traffic); cultural resources; air quality and noise; and reliability and safety.”
According to an independent report about this project by Rutgers University, the expansion project could create more than 5,200 jobs in the area if allowed to go through.
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rbreau166
Posted on April 1, 2012 at 10:02amWe should all be safe and only use horses and bicycles for transportation. In 30 or 40 years when the world is using a lot less oil and gas we can start to develop ours again.
Report Post »MrObvious
Posted on March 20, 2012 at 9:01amWhat the EPA actually allowing something? I’d normally say follow the money; but, pipelines and NG are good things; so, maybe we should just let it slide this time.
Report Post »Not going to take it anymore
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 7:18pmEveryone knows not to turst Bloomy. The false mayor of NYC.
Report Post »Oznogs
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 5:50pmokay cue the eco-freak NIMBY’s in 3,2
Report Post »FNTM
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 5:46pmPeople don’t need those pipelines. Just freeze your arses off next winter. Remember when you are freezing and paying through the nose for fuel all those wonderful environmentalists.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 2:52pmNG is OK… but OIL & COAL are DIRTY?
They Love Black People… but Hate Black Energy?
SCHIZOPHRENIA!
Report Post »LOJ
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 2:33pmObama looks very short sighted, especially on energy..He has passed up an excellent chance to get oil from the Keystone Pipeline and from some good neighbors and friends…Canada…in which we would benefit not just from the oil, but from the alliance. Secondly Fargo North Dakota and Utah have millions and millions of barrels of oil, not to mention Anwar, and other sources off the Coasts of Louisianna, Florida, and California. He has also cut leases and permits to stop drilling in the Gulf, and keeps the US on Foreign oil, and the terrorists use our oil to fund their terrorist attacks. It is logical and practical to supplement the oil we get from overseas, to bring down the price, just in case the Middle East and the straight of Hormuz are embroilled in war with Israel, or each other. These countries are always fighting and warring, trying to take out Israel! Thank goodness George Bush opened these private land areas for drilling, because Obama is not drilling on Federal Land or doing us any favors to help the people or the economy.
Report Post »starchy
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 1:03pmLooks like it comes right by my house. I am not concerned about it – maybe the price of natural gas here would be reduced! Bring it on!
Report Post »LovinUSA
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 12:35pmHow about our keystone lines? There is no more excuses left Obama……………..stop screwing our nation, we are tired of it and you.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 12:28pmIs the 3-16-12 EXECUTIVE ORDER real ?
>Blaze, please write about it; true or false. Thanks.
Report Post »moreteaplease
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 12:38pmI too am wondering why Blaze hasn’t ran with this yet. It’s up on the White House site so I assumed it was true.
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 12:43pmI sent this in to the Blaze as a tip. Hope that works. Although I am sure this has already been done. This is crazy that they are ignoring us on this.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 1:02pmlets hope they are just waiting for the inside scoop on it…
Report Post »Balrog28
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 1:03pmThe most applicable portion of that Executive Order:
“Upon such approval, the Secretary of the resource department that made the finding may use the authority of section 101(a) of the Act, 50 U.S.C. App. 2071(a), to control the general distribution of any material (including applicable services) in the civilian market.”
101(a) of the The Defense Production Act of 1950 being:
“Sec. 101. PRIORITY IN CONTRACTS AND ORDERS [50 U.S.C. App. § 2071]
(a) Allocation of Materials, Services, and Facilities
The President is authorized (1) to require that performance under contracts or orders (other than contracts of employment) which he deems necessary or appropriate to promote the national defense shall take priority over performance under any other contract or order, and, for the purpose of assuring such priority, to require acceptance and performance of such contracts or orders in preference to other contracts or orders by any person he finds to be capable of their performance, and (2) to allocate materials, services, and facilities in such manner, upon such conditions, and to such extent as he shall deem necessary or appropriate to promote the national defense.”
Report Post »Glock31
Posted on March 19, 2012 at 3:52pmyes I would like more clarification as well
Report Post »http://www.maggiesnotebook.com/2012/03/obama-executive-order-31612-national-defense-resources-preparedness-executive-order-some-eo-history/