Nassau, Suffolk Execs Pen Op-Ed Calling For Natural Gas Pipeline

MINEOLA, NY — Four months after regulators in New York rejected plans to build a controversial natural gas pipeline in the state, the heads of Nassau and Suffolk counties on Friday called for a pipeline to be built across Long Island that they say will be a "bridge" fuel while cleaner energy alternatives can be implemented.

Steve Bellone, the Suffolk County executive, and Laura Curran, the Nassau County executive, wrote an op-ed Friday in the New York Daily News saying natural gas was not only environmentally friendly, it was necessary to prevent "significant disruption" to the economy and environment."

"We care about climate change," the duo wrote. "We know how profoundly it will effect our island and our region. We want to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

"It’s because of, not despite, that deep concern that we know we need to develop our counties responsibly — by making use of a fuel that emits less carbon dioxide to build denser new housing and commerce where people need fewer cars."

Bellone and Curran specifically pointed to the Williams-Transco pipeline project, which they said will help ensure that major mixed-use development projects progress won't be stopped.

"Our towns are no longer bedroom communities; they are true communities that have adopted a sustainable live-work-play model," the executives wrote.

Without access to natural gas, that vision is at risk, they warned.

The 37-mile Williams pipeline was to link Pennsylvania natural gas fields to New Jersey and New York. Pipeline operator Williams Companies billed the project as a key addition to the region's energy infrastructure, delivering enough fuel to meet New York's rising energy demand and avert an upcoming shortage.

Environmental groups painted a much darker picture, going so far as to accuse the company of fabricating a crisis to justify the project and setting back the state's path to renewable energy sources.

In the op-ed Bellone and Curran appeared to try to stave off such concerns, writing that they saw the key to a more environmentally friendly future as one that involves transit-oriented development. This includes clustering apartment buildings and businesses around train stations and transit hubs to make communities more walkable and create new housing options for car-less households.

"The two of us believe strongly that without access to natural gas, there will be significant disruption for both the economy and the environment, as these transit-oriented developments will take more single-occupancy vehicles off our roads by encouraging greater use of mass transit options and creating walkable neighborhoods," the two said. "Together, we implore Albany officials to ensure we do not have to halt the major progress we have made."