American Petroleum Institute New York responds to FERC’s decision on Valley Lateral pipeline project

American Petroleum Institute New York (API New York) commented recently on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) decision to allow the Valley Lateral pipeline project to move forward.

“New York is one of the largest consumers of natural gas in the country, and the decision by FERC allowing the Valley Lateral pipeline project to move forward in the permitting process is a win for all who care about affordable energy, jobs, and the environment,” API Executive Director Karen Moreau said. “This state of the art new pipeline will provide clean-burning natural gas to a newly constructed power plant in an area which greatly needs natural gas.”

FERC decided that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation waived their authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act by not acting within a year on a request by Millennium Pipeline Company for a water quality certification for the 7.8-mile pipeline project.

“New pipelines are among the safest forms of energy transportation,” Moreau said. “The increased use of natural gas in places like New York City has led to the cleanest air in decades and there’s even more potential for more positive impacts across the state. None of these tremendous benefits can happen without certainty in the permitting process.”