SC New York News

Congressman Nick Langworthy, representing New York's 23rd district, has taken a lead role in urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider her stance on the Northern Access Pipeline. The pipeline, a proposed $500 million investment in natural gas infrastructure, was expected to create thousands of jobs. Langworthy and other members of the New York and Pennsylvania Congressional delegations have expressed their concerns through a letter sent to Governor Hochul.

The lawmakers are calling for a reevaluation of the administration’s interpretation of the Clean Water Act (CWA), which they argue has blocked important energy projects and hindered economic growth in New York. "The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) decision to stand in the way of this key natural gas pipeline infrastructure project — despite Federal approval — caused extensive delays and increased project costs," they stated. They further emphasized that this decision has deprived the state of enhanced energy security and access to affordable natural gas across various regions.

According to estimates, constructing the Northern Access Pipeline would have involved an investment directly benefiting New York, particularly its rural counties in the Southern Tier. The project was projected to create 1,680 construction jobs at its peak, with much work anticipated from local companies.

Additionally, House Republicans have already addressed this issue by passing H.R. 1, known as the Lower Energy Costs Act. This legislation aims to prevent states like New York from using broad interpretations of environmental regulations to block federally approved projects.

The letter was cosigned by several representatives including Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Michael Lawler (NY-17), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Dan Meuser (PA-9), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Nick LaLota (NY-01), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Mike Kelly (PA-16).