The proposed 26-inch diameter natural gas pipeline, stretching 23.3 miles across Sandy Hook/Raritan Bay and continuing another 17.3 miles to Rockaway, NY, poses a severe threat to our marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Construction would cause major disruption to all marine life within the bay, including essential habitats for the Hudson River stock of striped bass. This population, now the predominant source of striped bass for NY–NJ Bight anglers since the Chesapeake Bay decline, is critical to both our ecosystem and coastal economy. Disturbing migratory route to the upriver spawning grounds at the mouth of the Hudson River would have devastating long-term consequences for fisheries, recreational anglers, and commercial interests alike. Endangered Atlantic Sturgeon, primary forage fish like the depleted River herring and American Shad, also spawn upriver.
Importantly, New Jersey and its citizens would receive zero benefit from this project. We would bear only the risks: construction impacts on our waters, degradation of marine habitat, and ongoing air pollution from the many diesel-powered compressor stations required along the route. Clean air and clean water go hand in hand—pollution from these facilities falls back on our waters as acid rain, heavy metals, and other contaminants that harm fish, wildlife, and the livelihoods of those who depend on healthy marine resources. As fishermen, we cannot ignore this direct threat to the very resource we work to protect.
We urge Governor Murphy to Vote NO and reject this harmful and unnecessary project.
This proposal also highlights the hypocrisy of New York State’s energy policy. New York has banned fracking within its borders and set a 2040 zero-emissions goal, yet this pipeline is designed to transport fracked gas from Pennsylvania and elsewhere through New Jersey, solely to benefit New York consumers. New Jersey should not be asked to sacrifice its waters, fisheries, and air quality for a project that runs counter to both states’ climate commitments.
Governor Murphy, we ask you to stand with New Jersey communities, protect our fisheries and marine ecosystems, and uphold our clean energy future by denying approval for the NESE pipeline.
