Gov. Cuomo Rejects the Constitution Pipeline

Media Contacts
Heather Leibowitz

Environment New York

New York, NY- On Friday, there was a huge victory for our environment and health when the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) denied a key permit to companies seeking to build a 124-mile fracked gas pipeline. The Constitutional Pipeline Project was proposed to transport fracked natural gas from Pennsylvania into New York’s Southern Tier and on to the Capitol Region. The pipeline would have crossed four counties in New York, putting at risk hundred of streams and wetlands. 

Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York, issued the following statement:

“Governor Cuomo listened carefully to science and the voices of millions of New Yorkers when he decided to ban fracking in the state in 2014. With this decision to deny the pipeline, the Governor shows he’s still listening. This is what true leadership looks like.  

“Additionally, Governor Cuomo pledged to protect our children and communities from the worst impacts of climate change. We have a target of reducing carbon emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. Not moving forward with the pipeline helps get us one step closer to our goals, and forges a path forward for climate progress and clean air.  

“This was a wonderful way for the Governor to show his support for the environment on Earth Day. Now we would like to see Governor Cuomo take the next step and strengthen the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative so we can replace dirty power plants with clean energy.”