Iroquois ExC Project would make it harder to meet State’s emissions reduction goals
Larchmont, NY – Earlier this week, Save the Sound attorneys opposed a proposal that threatens to undermine New York State climate goals. Save the Sound Staff Attorney Jessica Roberts submitted comments challenging the conclusions of the New York State Department of Public Service’s (DPS’) Assessment of Need for the Iroquois Enhancement by Compression (ExC) Project—a project that would power the transportation of gas to the New York City area and contradict New York State’s established goals of investing in renewable energy infrastructure instead.
Because the ExC Project would facilitate the expanded use of fossil fuels, resulting in substantial greenhouse gas emissions, it would impede achievement of the state’s 2030 emission limits established by Article 75 of the Environmental Conservation Law. As a result, an assessment by the DPS was required to consider whether the project was justified. While the assessment concluded that there is currently a need, the conclusion was flawed because it failed to consider the fact that demand is projected to decline by the time Iroquois expects to complete construction (and that demand is anticipated to continue declining in the years thereafter).
“The Iroquois ExC Project would plainly interfere with reaching New York’s emissions goals and pose significant public health risks and burdens in disadvantaged communities; there is no compelling justification for it,” said Jessica Roberts, staff attorney at Save the Sound. “With just six years left to achieve its emissions commitments, New York State must focus on making sustained reductions, not build infrastructure that would increase emissions and keep New York tied to fossil fuels for years to come.”