Protecting New York’s Future Means Saying No to the Pipeline Project

A Clear Choice for the Governor

By rejecting the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, Governor Kathy Hochul has the opportunity to demonstrate her commitment to protecting the well-being of New York’s younger generation.

On August 9, hundreds of people marched across the Brooklyn Bridge demanding that the governor reject the project. More than 20 organizations supported the demonstration, including youth-led groups determined to safeguard their future. Their involvement highlights the urgency of the moment.

The Health and Future of Young New Yorkers

The youth who marched did so for good reason. Approving the pipeline would endanger their future and their health. Governor Hochul has already spoken about the risks of smartphones to students’ mental health, but protecting physical health is equally important. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that releases methane, a greenhouse gas that traps eighty times more heat than carbon dioxide over two decades. Moving forward with the project would tie New York to fossil fuel dependence instead of opening the door to clean, renewable energy.

A State Already Experiencing the Consequences

The urgency of action cannot be overstated. The past year was the warmest on record. This year alone, the governor has issued three consecutive executive orders declaring disaster emergencies due to severe weather. New Yorkers are already enduring heat waves, floods, and storms.

Risks to Water and the Environment

The pipeline would also threaten New York’s water, which is among the cleanest in the country. Construction would involve excavating at least six feet of seabed over a stretch nearly as long as a marathon. The seabed is filled with toxins such as arsenic, lead, PCBs, and dioxin—chemicals linked to developmental problems in children, severe health issues, and even death.

Local Communities at Greatest Risk

The project’s impact would be especially severe for the 2.8 million people living in Staten Island and Queens. The proposed route would pass within a mile and a half of Staten Island and just three miles from the Rockaways. Data on gas pipelines over the last decade reveals a troubling record of accidents and billions of dollars in property damage, underscoring the dangers of expanding aging infrastructure.

The governor has already approved one pipeline project, raising questions about the state’s commitment to its own climate laws and long-term energy goals. Moving forward with this proposal would deepen reliance on unsafe energy sources and contradict New York’s efforts to lead on climate action.

A Call for Leadership

The decision now rests with Governor Hochul. Rejecting the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline is not just about energy policy—it is about protecting communities, honoring climate commitments, and standing with the next generation.

This is our home, and this is our future.