Bateman Vows to Continue Fight PennEast Pipeline After It Clears FERC Hurdle 

Although the project just cleared another hurdle in the approval process by the Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC), Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Mercer, Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex) vowed to continue to push back against the controversial PennEast Pipeline.

Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman said despite it recently clearing a hurdle in the federal approval process, the fight against the PennEast Pipeline is not over. (PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC)

“This fight is far from over,” Senator Bateman said. “From the very beginning, our residents have made it clear that they don’t want this pipeline cutting through their communities, and there’s no reason to give up now. There’s a long way to go before this project gets final approval.”

According to recent news reports, FERC issued a final environmental impact statement for the proposed pipeline. Before construction can begin, however, the project must get final approvals from FERC, as well as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The proposed pipeline would carry natural gas on a 110-mile journey from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. The 36-inch pipe could cut over the Delaware River and through some of New Jersey’s most pristine landscapes in Hunterdon and Mercer counties.

Ever since the project was announced, Senator Bateman has stood alongside local residents and organizations that remain concerned about the damage it would do to the community. He vowed to continue working with them as the approval process goes forward.

“I’m not giving up, and I know the rest of this project’s opponents won’t either,” Senator Bateman said. “Developing a viable energy plan and improving our utility infrastructure is crucial to this state’s future. However, it can’t come at the expense of devastating our environment or putting property values at risk. PennEast can’t go forward as planned.”

Related Facebook Post:
https://www.facebook.com/kipbateman/posts/10155999670553625

Related Tweet:
https://twitter.com/KipBateman/status/851463608634675201

Website Post:
http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/bateman/bateman-vows-to-continue-fight-penneast-pipeline-after-it-clears-ferc-hurdle/32232