BK In Last-Ditch Effort To Stop Controversial Pipeline: Report

BROOKLYN, NY — A last-ditch effort to stop a controversial pipeline from running fracked gas through North Brooklyn has launched in the borough, according to the BK Reader.

The North Brooklyn Pipeline — officially known as the Metropolitan Natural Gas Reliability Project — is nearing the end of the first four phases of construction, meaning fracked gas could soon be running through Brownsville, Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, Williamsburg and Greenpoint.

But the final push comes as more residents, who just learning of the pipeline, are joining the fight to stop the National Grid project.

“Everyone in the neighborhood thought they were fixing the plumbing,” Brownsville Residents Green Committee organizer Gabriel Jamison told BK Reader. “I’m furious to be honest. How did no one stop this?”

The newly-motivated residents join nonprofits and local elected officials who have long opposed the seven-mile pipeline, which started construction in 2017.

National Grid has said it will allow the gas supply to move around more safely and efficiently, but opponents argue it is an excuse to hike up prices for rate payers.

National Grid is currently requesting $185 million in rate hikes to finish phases 4 and 5 of the pipeline. That price-tag is part of an estimated $236 million increase in revenue the company expects in 2021, or about $16.66 extra per month for the average residential customer, according to BK Reader.

Opponents also point to a potential buildup of radioactive material under their streets, the possibility of a gas leak or explosion and the impact the pipeline can have on climate change, the outlet reports.

They also point to the fact that the pipeline will largely affect low-income communities of color.

“This is another case of environmental racism,” Assemblyman Charles Barron told BK Reader. “A pipeline through Brooklyn’s Black and Brown communities, and they want ratepayers to pay more to make up for the $185 million they need for it? It’s outrageously racist.”

Brooklyn residents delivered over 10,000 petition signatures in September asking Mayor Bill de Blasio to halt construction of the project. Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams has also written a letter calling on the mayor to do so.

Read the full report from BK Reader here.