NEW YORK, N.Y. – A significant protest unfolded in New York City on Saturday morning as more than 400 residents gathered to oppose several proposed natural gas pipeline projects, notably one planned for the waters around Staten Island.
The day began with a rally at City Hall park, where various speakers, including Lieutenant Gov. Antonio Delgado, addressed the crowd.
Organized by a coalition of advocacy groups, including Climate Families NYC, Rise and Resist, the New York Public Interest Research Group Fund, and Food & Water Watch, the protest aimed to raise awareness about the environmental and economic implications of these projects.
Eric Weltman, senior organizer for Food & Water Watch, emphasized the importance of shifting New York away from fossil fuels.
“You’re seeing here evidence of a statewide movement that is committed to moving New York off fossil fuels,” Weltman stated.
“The public is demanding Governor Hochul take a strong stance against President Donald Trump and prevent these dangerous, costly, and unnecessary projects.”
One of the focal points of the protest was the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project, an extension of the Transco pipeline system projected to run off the coast of Staten Island.
The pipeline, supported by the Trump administration, is attempting to restart the regulatory approval process as operators push for a green light to continue.
Laura Shindell, New York State director for Food and Water Watch, explained the pipeline’s extensive route.
“That pipeline would carry fracked gas from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and 23 miles of pipeline along the coast of New York City, passing through Raritan Bay and hugging the shores of Staten Island, Coney Island, and the Rockaways,” Shindell detailed.
Proponents of the project argue it would enhance the supply of fracked natural gas for National Grid customers in Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.
However, customers in Staten Island and beyond will have to bear a 3.5% increase on their bills to fund the project, even if they do not directly benefit from the increased gas supply.
“The cost of the pipeline would be borne by ratepayers, even those who wouldn’t be receiving any of the gas,” Weltman cautioned.
Initially introduced in 2016 by Transco, a Texas-based pipeline manufacturer, the project lost momentum during President Biden’s term as various state approvals were denied.
Opposition to the pipeline has emerged from various elected officials, including Republican Borough President Vito Fossella.
Fossella has voiced concerns regarding rate increases and made comparisons to battery storage facilities established on Staten Island.
Similarly, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican representing Staten Island and parts of South Brooklyn, appreciated Trump’s eagerness to reinstate fossil fuels but insisted regulatory agencies strive for efficiency to prevent inflated costs for consumers.
Environmental concerns have also fueled the opposition, including potential negative effects on water quality stemming from construction.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation previously denied the NESE project, citing the risk of disturbing contaminated sediments on the ocean floor.
In addition to the NESE project, protesters expressed their dissent regarding the Williams Constitution pipeline, which has also been revived after facing rejections during the Biden administration.
The rally’s primary focus regarded how natural gas pipelines impact climate change and New York state’s ability to fulfill emissions goals outlined in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
“The NESE pipeline was denied by New York state a whopping three times,” Shindell noted.
“Our Department of Environmental Conservation reported themselves that the pipeline would have devastating effects on New York’s water quality, the harbor’s marine life, and it would fly in the face of New York’s climate law.”
Protesters directed much of their frustration towards Gov. Kathy Hochul, worrying that the revival of previously rejected projects signals possible compromises with the federal government.
Highlighting the need for climate action, Delgado criticized Hochul’s motivations, proclaiming she seemed more focused on self-preservation than serving public interests.
“A gas-to-wind deal is foolish on its face; it makes zero sense,” Delgado asserted, positioning himself as a challenger to Hochul in the upcoming 2026 primary election.
In defense of her administration, Hochul has attempted to address conjectures about her cooperation with the Trump administration regarding energy projects.
“My message is what I told the president: I will ensure that any applicant for a pipeline or any energy project follows all state, local, and federal laws,” Hochul stated during a May 29 press conference.
“I have to look at this through a different lens and remain committed to our climate goals.”
Hochul recognized the necessity of balancing progress with legal compliance, insisting on the need for prospective energy projects to adhere to existing regulations.
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