Schumer, Gillibrand, Lowey Call for More Pipeline Review

Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Nita Lowey have written the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking the agency to reopen the hearing into Spectra Energy’s AIM natural gas pipeline project.

AIM is one of several projects Spectra has planned to expand its Algonquin pipeline across Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties to New England and abroad.

“The Environmental Impact Statement issued by FERC on January 23 did not sufficiently address many of the concerns raised by the local community, including the potential impacts of the pipeline’s proximity to Indian Point,” they wrote. “We ask that in addition to rehearing the project, FERC commission an independent review of the safety, environmental, and health concerns raised prior to, throughout, and aficr the approval process.”

• SEE: Pipeline Foes in 4 States Join to Fight Spectra Expansion

They asked FERC officials to reconsider the decision to approve the project, and in the process to provide more opportunities for an independent review and public meetings.

“Ensuring the safety of the residents and environment this pipeline will affect is paramount, and we hope that FERC provides adequate opportunity to ensure the safety of this pipeline before issuing a final determination,” they wrote.

RELATED:

• Algonquin Pipeline Foes Stage ‘Die-in’ Protest at Company’s Info Session
• Feds Approve Spectra’s AIM Project
• FERC Says Environmental Impacts of Pipeline Expansion Minimal
• Puglisi Asks DEC to Say No to the Algonquin Pipeline
• Is Algonquin Expansion Part of System Upgrade: FERC
• Spectra Files Next Stage of Algonquin Pipeline Expansion