TRENTON, NJ, Jan. 14, 2011 -- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection filed a legal motion today to intervene with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in the case of a natural gas pipeline expansion proposed by Spectra Energy to run through Hudson and Union counties, including Jersey City, the Christie Administration announced.
Spectra has proposed a natural gas pipeline that will traverse several New Jersey communities, neighborhoods and public land, including parks, wetlands, the Hudson Riverfront Walkway, and would run in close proximity to the entrance to the Liberty Science Center. It would run from Linden, through Bayonne and Jersey City to Manhattan.
"We are intervening in the matter to protect the interests of Linden, Bayonne, Jersey City and the State of New Jersey,'' said Gov. Chris Christie. "The State has serious concerns with the pipeline proposal, and this action preserves our right to take an active role, to be involved in any decisions that are considered or made.''
The DEP is charged with environmental oversight in the State, to protect both the public health and natural resources in New Jersey.
"As an intervener, the DEP will participate in the FERC proceeding and work to prevent any adverse impact on safety, transportation, the environment, economic development, homeland security and other key issues of importance to the State,'' said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.
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