Constitution Pipeline project discarded

March 3, 2020

This is a huge victory for environmental activists, pro-development advocates, and clean water advocates.

One of the major companies behind the Constitution Pipeline has abandoned the project altogether. According to Common Dreams, the proposed 124-mile gas pipeline was slated to run through Pennsylvania and New York, threatening water quality, wildlife, and public health. The project also would have increased demand for fracked gas, locking in more climate pollution.

Earthjustice and partners are responsible for this victory after consistent legal challenges saying in a statement: 

“Defeating the Constitution Pipeline is an enormous victory for advocates who have been fighting for eight years to protect New York State and its waterways. At this critical moment for our climate, we cannot afford unnecessary fossil fuel projects that will lead to more fracking and exacerbate our climate crisis. It’s time to embrace a 100% clean energy future, and today’s news is an important step in the right direction.”

The project included four partners: The Williams Cos. (The principal partner), Duke Energy, Houston-based Cabot Oil and Gas and Calgary, and Alberta-based Alta Gas. Williams has a 41% state in the project. it was proposed back in 2013 and started at the projected cost of $700 million, but delays and legal battles increased its cost by 40%. 

Duke Energy released a statement by spokeswoman Tammie McGee saying, “Although Constitution did receive positive outcomes in recent court proceedings and permit applications, the economics associated with this greenfield project have since changed in such a way that they no longer justify investment.”