Gov. Cuomo Asks FERC to Halt Algonquin Pipeline Near Nuke Plant
Spectra Energy's Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) pipeline project is an $876 million expansion of the existing Algonquin pipeline system that will carry 342 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to New England states that badly need the gas. On March 3, 2015 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued their final approval for the project, allowing it to go forward. Construction began last year and continues now, with a target in-service date later this year. That is, until New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo stepped in. Cuomo sent a letter on Monday to FERC (copy below) asking FERC to stop construction of AIM because the proposed pipeline path takes it right next to a "troubled" nuclear power plant along the shoreline of the Hudson River. Cuomo says he's concerned about the drilling that will take place, being so close to a plant that has ongoing issues. Will Cuomo once again stop a natural gas pipeline from being built? Cuomo refuses to allow the state Dept. of Environmental Conservation issue stream crossing permits for the FERC-approved Constitution pipeline, and now he's trying to screw a second pipeline from being built. If you ask us, this is getting out of hand...
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