Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella is actively opposing the proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline project set for the waters surrounding Staten Island. Fossella has raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project, which aims to extend a gas pipeline from New Jersey through Staten Island waters and into the Rockaways in Queens.
During a meeting with National Grid representatives in August, Fossella expressed his reservations about the pipeline, stating that it could threaten marine life and disturb sediment in the Raritan Bay. He remarked, “Like many who grew up in either South or Midland Beach, or along the South Shore, we have seen the tremendous gains and improvements to the Raritan Bay. Where once, if you went into the water, Lord knows what you came out with, today there is a vibrant marine life, along with cleaner waterways.”
Fossella’s opposition is rooted in five key reasons, which he outlined in a letter to National Grid. He emphasizes that Staten Island will not benefit from the pipeline enhancement, yet residents will face a 3.5% increase in their National Grid bills to fund the project. According to his statement, “Staten Island will bear all the risks and burdens while receiving no benefits.”
The proposed pipeline extension is 17.4 miles long and would traverse Staten Island’s waters. Fossella highlighted the existence of an underground Transco gas pipeline already crossing the island, questioning the need for an additional pipeline. He expressed concern that the new construction would adversely affect the fragile fish and shellfish population in the area, disturbing contaminated sediments on the seabed and degrading water quality.
In his letter, Fossella also questioned whether National Grid explored alternative solutions before selecting Staten Island’s shoreland for the project. He noted that Staten Island often becomes the “default” location for infrastructure projects that face opposition from the other boroughs of New York City.
Fossella pointed to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which mandates a transition to renewable energy, stating, “The construction of yet another gas pipeline in New York will run counter to the expressed law and policy of the state of New York.”
In response to Fossella’s concerns, National Grid spokesperson Alexander Starr stated, “We were pleased to have briefed the borough president on the importance of the NESE project to the provision of safe and reliable service to New York City customers and the direct benefits to Staten Island, including ensuring sufficient electric generation to meet Staten Island’s growing demand for energy.”
Fossella is scheduled to hold a press conference on September 5, 2023, alongside members of the boating community at Mansion Marina to further address the issues surrounding the pipeline project.
As the debate unfolds, local environmentalists have also voiced their concerns, arguing that the pipeline could raise utility bills and disturb toxic seabeds, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of both the ecological and economic impacts on Staten Island and its residents.
