NEW YORK — Construction of the long-delayed Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) natural gas pipeline is set to begin this fall, marking a major shift in regional energy policy and reigniting debate over environmental and economic impacts.
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Federal officials and industry leaders gathered in Brooklyn this week to mark the groundbreaking of the project, which will transport natural gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and into New York, including a subsea segment running beneath the harbor near the Rockaway Peninsula.
The $1 billion project, backed by Williams Companies, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
“What we’re here to celebrate is not just infrastructure; it’s a foundation for America’s future,” said Doug Burgum.
Officials say the pipeline could supply energy to more than 2 million homes across New York City and the broader tri-state region, while helping stabilize energy costs and meet growing electricity demand.
“The Biden administration prided itself on how many power plants it closed, how much energy production it shut down,” said Chris Wright.
The NESE pipeline is designed to address rising energy demand, particularly as emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence increase electricity consumption.
“So New Yorkers and Long Islanders can have lower cost bills and, more importantly, greater job opportunities,” Wright said.
According to Williams, the project could generate thousands of construction jobs while enhancing long-term energy reliability. Company CEO Chad Zamarin emphasized the urgency of expanding infrastructure.
“We haven’t built a pipeline in New York in over a decade. We haven’t grown electricity production in the United States in over 25 years. And all of the sudden, this next generation of technology, the race for artificial intelligence is all going to be about electricity and energy,” Zamarin said.
The project also signals a policy shift, as previous proposals for the same route were denied amid environmental concerns and opposition to fossil fuel expansion.
Despite federal backing, the project continues to face criticism from environmental groups and local advocates concerned about water quality and marine ecosystems.
“Agency scientists determined that the NESE pipeline would cause unacceptable degradation of water quality and marine life to New York waters just a few years ago. We cannot compromise our laws and scientific principles just to appease the Trump administration’s overreach,” said Roger Downs.
Protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn event, highlighting ongoing resistance to the pipeline and broader concerns about reliance on fossil fuels.
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Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said the project had been a priority at the federal level, recalling discussions with Donald Trump.
“He was specifically asking about NESE, he was specifically asking about Constitution, and he wanted it built instantly,” Zeldin said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul did not attend the groundbreaking but has played a role in shaping the project’s path forward. According to sources, Hochul and Trump reached an agreement last year to allow pipeline permitting to move forward while protecting union jobs tied to wind energy projects.
In a statement, Hochul’s office said: “The Governor had committed to attending President Joe Biden’s portrait unveiling ceremony at Syracuse University College of Law.”
Williams maintains confidence in the project’s long-term viability despite regulatory uncertainties.
“We believe in the merit of this project for the people of New York and the people of this region,” Zamarin said.
Originally reported by Bernadette Hogan in New York State Of Politics.
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