New York Pipeline Nears Approval Amid Protests from Opponents, labeling it as a 'Trump Deal'
Controversy Surrounds NESE Pipeline Approval Amid Allegations of Fast-Tracked Process
The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline, a proposed 37-mile gas pipeline connecting New Jersey and an existing pipe just south of the Rockaways, has been at the centre of a heated debate. Governor Kathy Hochul has denied making an explicit deal with the Trump administration to approve the pipeline, following reports and activists' allegations that she "caved" or "fast-tracked" the pipeline approval in exchange for the Trump administration lifting a stop on the Empire Offshore Wind Project.
The public comment period for the NESE pipeline closed on August 16, 2025, without any public hearings being held, which has drawn criticism from environmentalists and politicians who argue that it limited meaningful public input. As of mid-August 2025, over 11,000 public comments—mostly opposing the pipeline—had been submitted, with ongoing activism and organized opposition including marches and petitions against the project.
The project is undergoing renewed permitting requests after previously being denied permits years ago. Williams Companies, the pipeline operator, resubmitted applications in May 2025 following the White House lifting opposition to the project. The review and approval process remains subject to state and federal regulatory requirements, though critics say the process has been fast-tracked and lacking transparency.
Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizen's energy program, accused Governor Hochul of keeping up an "illicit bargain" due to the truncated public comment period. Kim Fraczek, director of the climate group Sane Energy Project, expressed hope that Governor Hochul will ultimately block the NESE pipeline.
The trial for New York's Landmark Climate Law is ongoing, with Colin Kinniburgh, a defendant in the trial, criticizing the short public comment period for NESE, deeming it outrageous and a denial of public rights.
In addition to the NESE pipeline, Williams has also reapplied for approval from New York regulators for the Constitution Pipeline project. According to application documents, Williams plans to start construction on the NESE pipeline as soon as this fall.
The White House spokesperson did not directly answer the question about the alleged deal but stated that bringing more pipelines to the northeast would save New Yorkers money. Harrison Fields, a White House deputy press secretary, stated that President Trump's energy agenda is slashing energy prices, reducing reliance on foreign oil, and prioritizing domestic energy production.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has previously rejected NESE three times (in 2018, 2019, and 2020). The DEC issued a notice in early July that it had received a complete application for the project, opening a 30-day comment period with no public hearings; the agency extended the comment period by two weeks after more than 100 groups sent a letter in protest, but did not add any hearings.
The revival of NESE comes after talks between Donald Trump and New York Governor Kathy Hochul in May, following which the White House lifted a stop-work order on a major offshore wind project off Long Island. The ongoing debate about whether Governor Hochul made an agreement with President Trump to allow new gas pipelines through New York continues.
[1] New York Times [2] Politico [3] Public Citizen [4] Sane Energy Project [5] 350.org
- Governor Kathy Hochul denies making an explicit deal with the Trump administration for the approval of the NESE pipeline, as allegations of a fast-tracked process persist.
- Environmentalists and politicians argue that the short public comment period for the NESE pipeline limits meaningful input, with over 11,000 public comments—mostly opposing the pipeline—submitted.
- Tyson Slocum, director of Public Citizen's energy program, accuses Governor Hochul of maintaining an "illicit bargain" due to the truncated public comment period.
- The White House spokesperson, when questioned about the alleged deal, mentions that bringing more pipelines to the northeast will save New Yorkers money.
- The DEC issued a notice in early July for a 30-day comment period on the NESE pipeline application, extending the period by two weeks after protest, but did not add any public hearings.
- The trials for New York's Landmark Climate Law are ongoing, with critics of the NESE pipeline using the short public comment period as evidence of denial of public rights.
