The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that it will use up to $42 million in Defense Production Act Title III funding to advance the development of a proposed 125-mile natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania to New York. Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC's project will transport natural gas to markets across the Northeast that currently experience limited access to the low-cost reliable fuel.
By leveraging DPA authorities, DOE is helping strengthen the security of the nation's energy system and defense industrial base. The project will also dramatically lower electricity and home heating costs across the region.
Officials: Pipeline Will Reverse Anti-Energy Policies
"Despite America having an abundant supply of low-cost natural gas, tens of millions of Americans have limited access to this reliable energy source due to a lack of pipeline infrastructure," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "President Trump promised to lower energy costs and reverse the energy emergency he inherited that was caused by 17 years of energy subtraction policies. That is why he promised to build the Constitution Pipeline – a project that will transform the lives and economic opportunities for Americans across New York and New England. It will also reduce the risk of blackouts during periods of peak electricity demand and make our nation more secure."
"For too long, families and businesses in New York and other blue states have paid the price for anti-energy policies that kneecap production, block critical infrastructure and drive up costs," said Secretary of the Interior and Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council Doug Burgum. "President Trump is reversing that failed approach, choosing abundance over government-imposed scarcity. This historic investment in New York will help deliver the reliable, secure energy Americans deserve while saving families across the Northeast billions of dollars."
Burgum: Pipeline Was 'Cancelled by Democratic Leadership'
In a video posted earlier today, Secretary Burgum emphasized the project's importance: "It is one of the most obvious pieces of infrastructure that's missing in America. It was permitted 12 years ago, and then cancelled by the democratic leadership in the state. New Yorkers have been suffering under those higher costs for that entire 12 years."
In a subsequent video, Secretary Wright described the administration's efforts: "We've been fighting for a year to get this pipeline built. It would change the game for citizens of New York and New England in lowering energy prices and making the grid more secure when it's cold in the winter."
Wright also noted that Governor Hochul has been an obstacle, while New England governors are on board: "We've got the New England governors on board. The New York governor has been an obstacle to this pipeline and we're trying to de-risk it and drive this pipeline ahead."
