An energy company is trying to resurrect a controversial and potentially harmful fracked gas pipeline that would run off the coast of Queens, and is being met with a familiar backlash after trying to build the pipeline three times before.
The Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement, better known as the Williams Pipeline, is a proposed 23.5 mile underwater pipeline – 17.4 miles of which would be in New York State waters – that would be constructed off the coast of Queens’ Rockaway peninsula, and would connect with energy company Williams Transco’s wider network of gas pipelines. The company says the pipeline would spur economic development, create jobs and lower energy bills, in line with the Trump administration’s support for similar projects.
But environmental activsts and locals have long criticized the project for its potential negative impact on the environment and marine life. Environmentalists warn that long before any gas is actually pumped into the 26-inch diameter pipe, just the construction work to get it in place could kick up harmful toxins into New York’s waters. In the worst case scenario, activists have warned about the catastrophic consequences should the pipe leak or explode, which gas pipelines often do…