Edison resident urges council to oppose NESE pipeline, asks for resolution and public comments

An Edison resident told the council on Sept. 8 she would like the township to oppose the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project (NESE), a proposal to move fracked methane gas through the region and into New York that includes dredging in Raritan Bay and a compressor station in Franklin Township.

“NESE... is once again up for consideration,” Esther Mister Barkin said, asking the council to adopt a resolution opposing the project and to urge others to submit comments to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Barkin said she and environmental groups oppose NESE because they view the project as new fossil-fuel infrastructure that would undercut state clean-energy progress and carry health and environmental risks, including leaks and dredging impacts.

Barkin encouraged residents to submit comments opposing the project no later than Sept. 24 and to take part in a DEP public hearing scheduled for Sept. 10. She also referenced the New Jersey Climate Superfund Act and said she hoped the council would join past actions the township took opposing other fossil-fuel projects.

The council acknowledged the comment and public-notice schedules; no formal action or resolution was adopted during the Sept. 8 work session.