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Proposed NY pipeline undermines green energy goals

Media Contact

Lindsey Knewstub

National Grid’s proposed 7.3-mile natural gas pipeline ­– the E37 Reliability and Resiliency Project – that would run through several towns in New York's Capital Region is continuing to draw opposition from surrounding residents and state lawmakers who are aiming to reduce New York's reliance on fossil fuels. 

Robert Howarth, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology who studies the environmental consequences of energy systems, particularly from oil and gas development, strongly agrees it’s not in New York’s best interest to approve the pipeline. 


Robert Howarth

David R. Atkinson Professor of Ecology and Environmental Biology

“The single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from the State of New York is from heating of residential and commercial buildings. Natural gas is used for much of this heating. In order to meet the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act that became law on Jan. 1, the state will need to rapidly move away from using natural gas for heating and instead rely on modern high-efficiency heat pumps.

“Given this context, it makes no sense to approve this new pipeline.”

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