Statement from NYAE on Northern Access Pipeline Court Decision

A federal court has ruled against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and upheld a federal decision in favor of National Fuel’s long-delayed Northern Access Pipeline’s $500 million natural gas project through Western New York.

New Yorkers for Affordable Energy released this statement in reaction to the court’s decision:    “The high court’s Northern Access decision helps to clear the way for communities across Western New York to reap the economic benefits that come with this $500 million dollar investment in New York’s energy infrastructure. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation clearly exceeded its authority when it delayed a decision to grant the proper permits for the project. This ruling sends a clear message that no state agency is above the law, and politics has no part in functional government.

“The Northern Access Pipeline will inject some much-needed money into the communities of Western New York, including nearly 1,700 jobs, all while adding essential energy infrastructure. Clearing this significant hurdle is a win, not just for the project itself, but for all consumers.”

Buffalo and Niagara County Building & Construction Trades Council also released a statement: “Organized labor is extremely pleased with the court’s decision on Northern Access as the project will result in good paying jobs for union construction trades workers across Western New York. Organized labor strongly supports reducing America’s dependency on foreign energy sources and the construction of infrastructure that safely and reliably delivers clean and reliable energy.  Northern Access will do just that and in turn will help our members who have been significantly impacted by a slowdown of construction work due to the pandemic.”

About New Yorkers for Affordable Energy: New Yorkers for Affordable Energy is a coalition of community, labor, business and industry leaders from across the state who support greater access to clean, reliable and affordable sources of energy for residential and business consumers. We understand the important role that natural gas plays in our everyday lives, from heating and cooling our homes to powering our communities. As demand for energy continues to grow, New Yorkers for Affordable Energy supports efforts to increase access to natural gas for manufacturing facilities, power production, transportation, and to serve as a catalyst for job growth and support New York’s economy and quality of life.

About the Buffalo and Niagara County Building & Construction Trades Council: The Buffalo Building & Construction Trades Council plays a major role in improving the quality of life of not only our members, but the entire WNY community. By ensuring decent wages and benefits for our members, they may provide for themselves and their families, so that we may all take pride in being united by the common goal of a future we can all be proud of.