In a victory for NY Baykeeper, Natural Defense Resource Council, NJ Food Watch, and the NJ League of Conservation Voters, the Third Circuit nixed the proposed 23-mile gas pipeline under Raritan Bay rom Sayreville to Queens. The pipeline would have required dredging the Bay – how do you dredge a bay?
The issue was why the NJ Department of Environmental Protection had rejected the pipeline based on water quality certification, not once, but twice, and then, all of a sudden, the problem seems to have disappeared. Good question.
The NESE is a project of Williams Corporation, a giant natural gas company with lots of clout, and there are real questions to be answered regarding the arbitrary approval. Also opposing this project is Clean Ocean Action, which raises real questions about the quality of fish and shellfish should the pipeline be built. Undaunted, Williams plans to “work with” the NJ DEP to answer the questions raised in the court ruling.
Prayer for the Day
Let all the earth bless God, Creator and Sustainer of life.
Let all that grows from the earth, forest and plain, give praise.
Let the rivers and springs and all who dwell therein, sing to God.
Let the sound of the dolphins and the leviathan resonate with song.
Let the bellow of frogs and toads join in their praise.
Let all peoples of the earth praise God by sustaining the creation.
In the name of the One who gives us life in God,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
(This) court ruling is a win for the waterways of New Jersey, the people who rely on them and the rule of law. This pipeline would not only have destroyed wetlands across New Jersey, but also would tear up the sea floor of Raritan Bay.
Jackson Garrity, Natural Resources Defense Council attorney
Once Trump came back into office, Williams revived and expedited the NESE application. A total of 25 towns along Raritan Bay, from Matawan to Sea Bright, already passed resolutions opposing the NESE pipeline.
Carly Baldwin, Middletown Patch reporter
Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of evildoers,
For they will soon fade like grass and wither like the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land and enjoy security.
Take delight in the Lord, and God will give you the esires of your heart.
Psalm 37: 1-4