Environmentalists vow fight of fed's OK of Branchburg, Old Bridge natural gas projects
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A coalition of environmental organizations is vowing to continue opposition to a proposal to expand natural gas compressor stations in Branchburg and Old Bridge and build a new compressor station in West Deptford.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) voted Thursday to grant a Certificate for Williams Co.'s Transco subsidiary to proceed with the project.
"We are pleased that FERC has issued its Certificate, which represents an important milestone for the Regional Energy Access (REA) expansion," according to a statement from Williams. "We look forward to continuing our work with regulators and other stakeholders on this critical project that will enhance existing energy infrastructure and increase much-needed access to clean and reliable natural gas for consumers in the Northeast and particularly our customers in New Jersey. We commend FERC’s leadership for their continued commitment to a thorough yet efficient permitting process."
The upgrades are part of the company's $800 million investment in its REA project in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which includes no new pipelines in New Jersey. The company says the project supports Gov. Phil Murphy's goal of 100% clean energy by 2050 by supplying power during the transition.
Williams filed its application with the FERC in the first quarter of 2021.
Once all approvals are given, Williams estimates construction could begin in July 2023 and be completed by the winter 2024.
The coalition of environmental groups has issued a statement that they will file a motion for rehearing with FERC. They are also asking the Murphy administration and its Pennsylvania counterparts to do the same, using state authority to deny the project.
More:South Brunswick rejects plan for gas-fired power plant in Woodbridge
The groups contend the FERC decision ignores a New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and Ratepayer Advocate filing with FERC that found the REA project to be unnecessary for the state’s energy supply. A BPU report shows current gas infrastructure will be able to meet demand through 2030, even during peak usage in cold winter weather.
“Once again FERC rubber stamped another fossil fuel project that is unneeded in New Jersey. William Transco’s REA will continue to threaten our public health and environment. It will contribute to an increase of methane gas releases and exacerbate climate change. Additionally, REA would bring more noise, light, and air and water pollution to the area that are a danger to public health. There is no need for more natural gas in New Jersey, and our residents certainly do not need to be paying for it,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, New Jersey Director of the Sierra Club.
“FERC didn't listen when we said we don't need this dirty fossil fuel project. We’re grateful the New Jersey BPU and Ratepayer Advocate filed a motion to intervene, and now we must use every tool in the toolbox to prevent this project from ever being built, and we implore the Murphy Administration to do the same. It’s bad for ratepayers, bad for the climate, and bad for the overall health of all New Jerseyans,” said Ed Postonak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “REA will undermine New Jersey’s goal of reducing greenhouse gasses 50% by 2030 and would actually lead to a 16% increase in our total greenhouse gas output annually. We can’t make progress if we take one step forward and two steps back.”
Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com
Mike Deak is a reporter for mycentraljersey.com. To get unlimited access to his articles on Somerset and Hunterdon counties, please subscribe or activate your digital account.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Environmentalists vow fight of Branchburg, Old Bridge natural gas projects
