14,400+ call on Cuomo to Stop the Williams Fracked Gas Pipeline

Today, dozens of members of the Stop the Williams Pipeline NY Coalition gathered in Albany for a press conference before delivering more than 14,400 petition signatures calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo walk the talk on climate action and stop the Williams fracked gas pipeline.

"Stopping the Williams fracked gas pipeline is Governor Cuomo's first major test of his commitment to a Green New Deal for New York," said Laura Shindell of Food & Water Watch, an activist with the Stop Williams Pipeline NY Coalition. "That's why we're in Albany today, representing the thousands of people who've signed the petition to stop this pipeline."

This comes as reports reveal the Trump administration is considering taking action to limit states' power to block dangerous fossil fuel projects, such as the Williams NESE fracked gas pipeline. The pipeline would be part of a Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project attempting to transport fracked gas from Pennsylvania across New Jersey into New York City.

"There's no demand for this fracked gas. What we need is a just transition to 100% renewable energy. As Trump and fossil fuel cronies prop up big oil and gas interests ahead of public interest, real action on the climate crisis needs come from places like New York," said Cata Romo of 350.org and the Stop the Williams Pipeline NY Coalition. "After banning fracking, Cuomo needs to stop fracked gas projects like the Williams pipeline from wreaking havoc on our communities. There's absolutely no room for fossil fuels in a Green New Deal."

The pipeline would lock in fossil fuel use in the City for decades, running counter to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions -- such as dirty buildings legislation, conversions of outdated plants, and building up renewables -- as well as warnings of the IPCC report and National Climate Assessment, and commitments to go beyond the Paris agreement.

"The future of New York City lies with energy efficiency, wind power, and innovative technologies like heat pumps, solar, and battery storage -- not fracked gas," Sara Gronim of 350Brooklyn and Stop the Williams Pipeline NY Coalition.

Last month, FERC issued its final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), all but green-lighting the project. Now, it's up to Governor Cuomo and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to deny or issue a key permit for the pipeline. New Yorkers are gathering comments to the DEC urging the Cuomo administration to reject the pipeline.

The Stop the Williams Pipeline NY coalition is organized by New York Communities for Change, Sustainable Staten Island, Rockaway Beach Civic Association, Sane Energy Project, 350BK, 350.org, Food & Water Watch, United for Action, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Surfrider NYC Chapter, Ocean Action Research Rockaway and more.