Governor Kathy Hochul is currently reassessing a proposal to construct an underwater gas pipeline off New York City, a plan that has been rejected three times previously. This reconsideration aims to address the state’s increasing energy demands, but it faces strong opposition from a growing number of influential New York Democrats.
Led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, nine other congressional representatives, including prominent figures like Jerrold Nadler, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ritchie Torres, and Dan Goldman, collectively sent a letter to the governor this past Wednesday. Their message was clear: they are deeply concerned about the pipeline project’s potential impact.
They articulated their worries, stating that “This project, which would bury 17 miles of fracked gas pipeline under the ocean floor in ecologically sensitive waters near Staten Island and the Rockaway Peninsula, poses significant and far-reaching implications for public health, environmental justice communities, climate goals and marine ecosystems.”
This collective letter marks an unusual public rebuke of a sitting Democratic governor by her own party, particularly as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Governor Hochul, a centrist from Buffalo, has centered her bid for a second term on addressing affordability, acknowledging the rising concerns of New Yorkers amidst economic instability and increasing prices.
However, fulfilling this promise is proving challenging. Faced with aging infrastructure, surging energy demands, and a federal government that often opposes the state’s renewable energy initiatives, Governor Hochul has attempted a delicate balancing act. Part of her strategy has involved revisiting fossil fuel projects that were previously dismissed.
A spokesperson for the governor addressed these concerns, highlighting a recent forecast that indicates potential energy shortages in New York City as early as next year.
Ken Lovett, the spokesman, affirmed, “We agree with our House partners that a rigorous review is needed, which is exactly what the D.E.C. is doing at Governor Hochul’s direction.” He was referring to the Department of Environmental Conservation, the state agency under Governor Hochul’s purview that holds the ultimate decision on the project.
The statement concluded, “We look forward to continuing to work with our congressional delegation to advance an all-of-the-above approach that delivers affordability, reliability and clean energy.”
Nevertheless, the prospect of investing in new gas infrastructure at a time when global awareness of climate change is at an all-time high has ignited significant public alarm.
In their letter, the lawmakers reminded Governor Hochul of her public commitment to climate leadership. They cautioned that approving the pipeline would be “in direct tension” with the state’s ongoing efforts and “risks reversing hard-won climate gains.”
New York State law mandates an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to combat global warming. Climate experts emphasize that state-level initiatives have become even more critical, especially since the previous Trump administration withdrew funding and tax credits for many renewable energy projects.
For instance, in April, President Trump halted the construction of Empire Wind, one of the few remaining offshore wind projects in New York State. Governor Hochul vigorously challenged this decision and successfully convinced Mr. Trump to allow the project to proceed.
On that same day, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum publicly expressed his approval, stating: “I am encouraged by Governor Hochul’s comments about her willingness to move forward on critical pipeline capacity.” He suggested that New York’s decision would also help ensure access to “affordable, clean American natural gas.”
Shortly thereafter, the New York City pipeline proposal resurfaced for the fourth time. The governor’s office has since denied that any deal was made with Washington to revive the project.
The pipeline, officially named the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline, was initially proposed and rejected three times, beginning in 2018 under former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. The Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to make its final decision on the project’s fate by next spring.
If approved, the NESE pipeline would transport gas from Pennsylvania to the New York City metropolitan area. It would stretch approximately 23 miles under Raritan Bay in New Jersey and New York Harbor, eventually connecting to existing infrastructure off the coast of Queens.
The increasing proliferation of data centers and semiconductor facilities is dramatically escalating the load on the electrical grid, leading to growing concerns about potential energy shortages in New York.
Much like former President Trump, Republicans across the state have consistently supported natural gas infrastructure. They have opposed the state’s ban on fracking and championed new pipeline projects.
Frank Dwyer, a spokesman for National Grid, the local utility slated to receive gas from the underwater pipeline, stated that the NESE pipeline “will bolster reliability for essential energy needs in New York City and Long Island.”
However, opponents of the pipeline highlight that National Grid customers would ultimately bear the burden of its $1 billion construction cost through infrastructure upgrades reflected in their bills.
Among the New York delegation, some members who did not sign the letter, such as George Latimer, a Democrat representing parts of the Bronx and Westchester County, expressed an openness to considering the pipeline proposal.
Elizabeth Carlson, a spokeswoman for Mr. Latimer, commented, “The congressman’s priority is understanding how New York State’s energy needs affect his constituents. We plan to keep monitoring this situation while getting feedback from residents.”
Other prominent opponents of the pipeline include Antonio Delgado, Governor Hochul’s lieutenant governor, who is challenging her in the 2026 election, as well as Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor; Brad Lander, the city’s comptroller; and Jumaane Williams, the city’s public advocate.
Notably, Mr. Cuomo, who is running for New York City mayor as an independent and who rejected the pipeline multiple times during his governorship, declined to offer a comment on the current situation.