constitution pipeline challenges decision by nysdec_news release_final formatted
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7/26/2019 Constitution Pipeline Challenges Decision by NYSDEC_news Release_final Formatted
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DATE:May 16, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chris Stockton
(713) 215-2010
Constitution Pipeline Challenges Decision by New York State to Block
Federally Approved Pipeline
NYSDEC decision blocks millions of New York and New England consumers from lower cost energy
Thousands of New York jobs delayed and threatened by the decision
State and regional leaders say decision impacts economic development, school funding
Decision slows U.S. transition from coal to natural gas; Slows carbon reductions and adoption of more
renewable resources
ALBANY, N.Y.Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC today announced that it has appealed the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservations (NYSDEC) refusal to grant the companys
request for a Section 401 Water Quality Certification under the Clean Water Act. The appeal was filed
with the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and contends, among other
things, that the refusal is arbitrary and capricious and constitutes an impermissible challenge to the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commissions Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity which was
issued to the company in December 2014.
Also today, the company filed an action with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New
York seeking a declaration that the State of New Yorks authority to exercise permitting jurisdiction
over certain other environmental matters is preempted by federal law.
Upon its review of the evidence, we believe the court will agree that this permit denial was arbitrary
and unjustified and improperly relies on the same failed arguments that the NYSDEC made during the
FERC certificate proceeding regarding the pipeline route and stream crossings. The NYSDECs allegation
that it did not receive the necessary information is inaccurate as demonstrated by extensive and
comprehensive technical materials submitted by Constitution for the record. We believe this allegation
was intended to distract stakeholders from the application of a fair technical and regulatory review of
the merits of Constitutions application for a water quality certification. We are ultimately seeking to
have the court overturn this veiled attempt by the state to usurp the federal governments authority
and essentially veto a FERC-certificated energy infrastructure project, the project sponsors said in a
joint statement.
The project sponsors continued, We would like to express our appreciation to the many project
supporters in New York who have expressed disappointment in the states decision, which blocks
millions of northeastern consumers from accessing lower-cost energy while ultimately slowing the
Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC
PO Box 14139
Albany, NY 12212
www.constitutionpipeline.com
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected] -
7/26/2019 Constitution Pipeline Challenges Decision by NYSDEC_news Release_final Formatted
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regions capabilities in transitioning from coal and fuel oil to natural gas, as well as its ability to
integrate more renewable energy sources into its power portfolio.
To see what others are saying about the states decision, visitwww.constitutionpipeline.com.
Denial of the 401 Water Quality Certification by NYSDEC further delays the potential for Constitution
Pipeline to help facilitate local natural gas service to homes and businesses in Southern New York by
Leatherstocking Gas Company, LLC.
The permit denial will also delay about 2,400 direct and indirect jobs that would be created during
pipeline construction, generating $130 million in labor income for the region. The decision could also
cost local governments approximately $13 million in annual property tax revenue.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Dec. 2, 2014 issued its certificate of public convenience
and necessity for the Constitution Pipeline. In its final environmental review of the proposed
Constitution Pipeline, FERC concluded that environmental impacts would be reduced to less than
significant levels withthe implementation of proposed mitigation measures by the company and
recommendations by FERC.
Constitution Pipeline Company
Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC is owned by subsidiaries ofWilliams Partners L.P.(NYSE:WPZ),Cabot Oil
& Gas Corporation(NYSE:COG),Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc.(NYSE:PNY), andWGL Holdings, Inc.
(NYSE:WGL). The 125-mile pipeline project is proposed to connect domestic natural gas production in
northeastern Pennsylvania with northeastern markets during the second half of 2017. Additional information
about the Constitution Pipeline can be found atwww.constitutionpipeline.com .
Portions of this document may constitute forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Although the
company believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that actual
outcomes will not be materially different. Any such statements are made in reliance on the safe harbor
protections provided under the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Additional information about issues that
could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the companys annual reports filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
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