NESE Pipeline Delay: Construction Under Raritan Bay Fails to Meet Timeline

A long-awaited natural gas pipeline project under Raritan Bay is facing another delay. The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline, which will run for 23 miles from Sayreville to Queens, was expected to start construction in July but has yet to begin work.

Clean Ocean Advocacy, a group fighting the project, recently filed a lawsuit against the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) over its approval of NESE. The company building the pipeline, Williams, claims it remains confident in the approvals issued for the project and will proceed with construction once permits are obtained.

The NESE pipeline aims to increase natural gas supply to the New York City area by 13% and lower electricity bills by up to $6 billion over 15 years. The project has been met with opposition from environmental groups, who argue it will harm marine life and disrupt shipping in the region.