ALBANY, New York — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration signed off on a pipeline project backed by gas utilities and the state’s utility regulator — a move that almost immediately drew criticism.
The Department of Environmental Conservation issued air permits for the Iroquois Enhancement by Compression, or “ExC,” project on Friday. The project involves upgrades to two compressor stations in New York that will increase the pressure and thus the flow of natural gas on the already existing Iroquois pipeline.
Environmental advocates opposed the project, arguing it flies in the face of the state’s efforts to slash emissions in compliance with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. But the state’s Department of Public Service said it’s needed to ensure reliable gas service downstate on the coldest winter days.
Even though emissions will increase, the reliability need justifies approving the project, DEC’s decision states.
