STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 New Yorkers in the five boroughs and Long Island will still need to subsidize the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline\u2019s construction despite new legislation signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul.<\/p>\n
On December 19, Hochul shut down the 100-foot rule, which funded gas pipeline expansions through \u201cratepayer-funded subsidies,\u201d according to the New York State Senate.<\/a><\/p>\n The NESE pipeline, approved in November by state agencies, will be paid for by New Yorkers within New York City and Long Island via a 3.5% increase to National Grid bills despite this new legislation. <\/p>\n The pipeline will feature a 17.4-mile underwater segment through the Raritan and Lower New York bays, passing Staten Island\u2019s shores.<\/p>\n National Grid was not thrilled by the change in legislation. <\/p>\n \u201cWe are disappointed that the 100\u2011foot rule has been repealed. This law could make it more expensive for customers to convert from oil to natural gas – an efficient way of reducing emissions and saving energy costs,” said a National Grid spokesperson. <\/p>\n \u201cWe encourage the administration and the legislature to use this one-year window to adopt practical protections for customers such as carve\u2011outs for income-eligible customers and for oil\u2011to\u2011gas conversions\u2014so families have affordable access to cleaner, firm, reliable heat,\u201d the spokesperson added.<\/p>\n National Grid is a steadfast supporter of the pipeline, however, pointing to \u201cthe possibility for $2.5 billion in energy savings for New York\u2019s downstate residents, like Staten Islanders, over the next 15 years,\u201d a spokesperson said previously.<\/a><\/p>\n National Grid touted the news that 96 organizations<\/a>, representing 1.7 million people, signed on in approval for the pipeline.<\/p>\n But then you have 130 elected officials from across the state<\/a> voicing their own issues with the project in a letter penned to Gov. Kathy Hochul. <\/p>\n