GOP House Members Lobby for Canceled New York Pipeline Project

U.S. House GOP members from New York and Pennsylvania published a letter on Dec. 5 criticizing New York’s state government opposition to a natural gas pipeline project.

National Fuel’s 96-mile Northern Access Pipeline would have a capacity of 490 MMcf/d, taking Appalachian gas from Pennsylvania to customers in the Northeast U.S. and Canada.

National Fuel, a gas utility and supply company, pitched the plan in 2014. In 2017, the state of New York, then led by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, denied state certification, citing the federal Clean Water Act.

In November 2024, National Fuel decided to cancel the project, blaming opposition from the New York state government and ballooning costs. Environmental groups have also stated their opposition.

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved the project; however, the permit expires at the end of 2024.

The representatives addressed the letter to current N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s decision to stand in the way of this key natural gas pipeline infrastructure project—despite federal approval—caused extensive delays and increased project costs, with the ongoing challenge of trying to develop in the current regulatory environment in New York,” the House members wrote.

“This action has once again robbed our state of a key opportunity for greater energy security and prevented increased access across the Northeast, the Midwest and Canada to affordable, reliable natural gas.”

Eleven representatives signed the letter. Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-N.Y.) led the effort.