Environmental group urges Long Branch to oppose Williams Transco NESE pipeline, offers model resolution

Susan Makaitis, speaking for Food & Water Watch, urged the Long Branch City Council on Sept. 24 to pass a resolution opposing the Williams Transco NESE pipeline, a proposed roughly 23-mile fracked-gas pipeline through the Raritan Bay. Makaitis said the project has been defeated twice previously and that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has fast-tracked the current application. She said New York and New Jersey authorities should again block the project, which she described as providing no benefit to New Jersey residents and posing environmental risks to waterfront communities. “I am attaching, or I have provided, I should say, a resolution for your consideration,” Makaitis told the council and asked, “Will you support this opposition by resolution at your next city council meeting?” Councilmembers acknowledged receipt of the material; Councilwoman Wittes said she looked forward to seeing the resolution. No formal council action on the pipeline opposition was taken at the Sept. 24 meeting; Makaitis’s request places the matter on the council’s radar for potential future action. The statement cited that National Grid (the New York operator and intended recipient of the gas) had publicly noted it did not need the pipeline; the speaker characterized the project as primarily serving out-of-state demand. Makaitis also noted that several Monmouth County municipalities and the county commissioners have joined opposition efforts. The council did not schedule a vote on the proposed resolution during the Sept. 24 meeting.