Clean Ocean Action Appeals NJ Approval for Transco Raritan Bay Pipeline

An environmental group has appealed New Jersey's approval of Transco's Raritan Bay pipeline, arguing the project violates state law and provides no public benefit to New Jersey.

(P&GJ) — Environmental advocacy group Clean Ocean Action has appealed New Jersey's approval of a tidelands license for Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co.'s proposed natural gas pipeline beneath Raritan Bay, arguing state regulators exceeded their authority and failed to demonstrate the project serves the public interest.

The appeal, filed July 20 in the New Jersey Superior Court's Appellate Division, challenges a decision by the New Jersey Tidelands Resource Council (TRC) approving the license for a pipeline that would extend more than two miles through Raritan Bay before entering New York waters and terminating on Long Island. According to the filing, construction would directly affect more than 80 acres of the bay floor and serve customers exclusively in New York.

Clean Ocean Action contends the TRC approved the project without making the findings required under New Jersey law, including whether the pipeline serves the public interest or whether the state may have future use for the tidelands involved. The group also argues the council lacked authority to issue the license under New Jersey's Stop Offshore Oil and Gas Act.

The filing states the TRC voted to approve the application during its May 6 meeting despite opposition from 43 speakers compared with two supporters. The meeting minutes were approved June 12 and serve as the agency decision being appealed.

In its proposed appellate issues, Clean Ocean Action argues the project would damage New Jersey tidelands while providing no benefit to state residents because the pipeline is intended solely to supply customers in New York.

"All harm, no benefit: As the proposed project would serve only New York customers, the subject license would damage New Jersey tidelands and serve no public interest of the residents of New Jersey."

The appeal names the New Jersey Tidelands Resource Council, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. as respondents.