On October 14, 2019, the Princeton Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of NJDEP denying permits for two fossil fuel pipeline projects that could impact central Jersey – NESE and PennEast. It recognizes that neither project can be completed in a manner that meets the stringent environmental standards required by state laws and regulations.
It highlights misleading & false assertions like:
- Natural gas is a bridge to clean energy.
- There is a need for more gas by National Grid in New York.
It highlights important concerns & goals of people in New Jersey:
- Compressor stations are a potent source of ground level ozone, are a safety risk, and negatively affect the quality of the air we breathe. Plumes of toxic emissions can travel 10 miles away.
- The safety standards of interstate pipelines are weaker than those for intrastate pipelines.
- Construction of Compressor Station 206 would adversely impact the state-threatened barred owl and protected vernal pool habitats.
- Construction of the pipeline in Raritan Bay would dredge up toxins, and it threatens marine life, tourism and the fishing economy.
- A transition away from fossil fuels is needed to achieve the State’s clean energy mandates.
- The costs of non-polluting solar and wind energy are decreasing.
- New York’s energy needs can be met by energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.
With appreciation for this well-detailed action by the Princeton Council, their resolution is linked to this alert.
REMEMBER:
If Williams/Transco does not get all permits from NJDEP and/or NYSDEC, the compressor station proposed near Trap Rock Quarry and the pipeline proposed in Old Bridge/Sayreville and Raritan Bay cannot be built.
By Friday, October 25, NJDEP needs to make a decision about the Coastal Wetlands and Waterfront Development permit applications.
By Tuesday, October 29, NJDEP needs to make a decision about the Flood Hazard Area permit application.
QUICK ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE NOW
1-Sign the online petition that will be sent to the Governor & NJDEP Commissioner.
2-Call Governor Murphy between 9AM and 5PM, and tell him that you want the NJDEP to deny all permits for the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project (a.k.a. NESE). Call 866-586-4069 or 609-292-6000.
OTHER ACTIONS:
Even though the comment period ended, Williams/Transco has submitted more documents to NJDEP since then. Make your concerns known to the NJDEP Project Managers and others in Trenton who need to be aware of your concerns by sending messages by October 22.
TO:
NJDEP Project Managers: Joslin.Tamagno@dep.nj.gov
Joslin Tamagno and Steve Olivera Stephen.Olivera@dep.nj.gov
COPIES TO:
Governor Phil Murphy Constituent.relations@nj.gov
Christopher Jones, Manager – Land Use Christopher.Jones@dep.nj.gov
Catherine R. McCabe, NJDEP Commissioner Commissioner@dep.nj.gov
Diane Dow, Director – Land Use Diane.Dow@dep.nj.gov
Virginia Kopkash, Assistant Commissioner – Land Use Ginger.Kopkash@dep.nj.gov
Ruth Foster, Director – Permit Coordination & Environmental Review Ruth.Foster@dep.nj.gov