Murphy approves permits for gas pipeline expansion one week after environmental groups sue

Gov. Phil Murphy approved permit applications for a gas pipeline expansion on Nov. 7, one week after a coalition of environmental groups filed a lawsuit to halt the project, known as the Northeast Supply Enhancement. Natural Resources Defense Council, a national environmental law group part of the coalition, said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline project based on outdated information. The coalition said the expansion will also stir up toxic sediments, destroy wetlands, and harm local waters across N.J. Murphy issued permits to Williams, the pipeline company, which includes approvals for wetlands, flood hazard, coastal development, and a water quality certification. The Northeast Supply Enhancement is an expansion of the 10,000-mile-long Transco natural gas pipeline system. The project includes a 3-mile pipeline section in Middlesex County, a 6-mile section beneath the Raritan Bay in N.J., and a compressor station in Somerset County.

From WHYY Public Media.