Activists call on Cuomo to stop pipeline project in the Rockaways

Long Island residents are asking Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to stop a proposed pipeline in the Rockaways and to end fracking and pipelines statewide.

About 30 residents and activists gathered on the Long Beach boardwalk Saturday calling for the end to burning fossil fuels and urged New York State to convert to renewable energy by 2030.

Tulsa-based Williams Partners is planning a 3-mile pipeline being constructed underground from south of the Marine Parkway Bridge in Far Rockaway to offshore in the Atlantic Ocean, according to New York City officials.

Long Island activists are now focused on plans for the project, known as the Rockaway Delivery Lateral project.

The visible construction offshore will ultimately enable the transport of natural gas from the existing Transco pipeline in New York Bay to the Rockaways, Brooklyn and Queens.

Activists are asking Cuomo to block the pipeline as he did for the Port Ambrose liquid natural gas pipeline off Long Beach three years ago.

The state’s Energy Research and Development Authority is conducting a feasibility study on how to implement a 100 percent renewable grid in the state, said Rich Azzopardi, a spokesman for Cuomo.

“What these activists are seeking is already well underway, and we appreciate their support in these shared goals,” he added. ‎

Those gathered on the Long Beach boardwalk Saturday said it is time for the state to convert to renewable energy, such as a planned wind farm off the coast of Jones Beach.

“We don’t want any disturbance of the ocean and to protect our ocean communities,” said Kevin O’Keefe of the Sane Energy Project. “We need to make smarter choices and address climate change.”

The Long Beach demonstration was part of a statewide effort by environmental activists this week, including demonstrations at the governor’s Manhattan office opposing fracking and pipelines in Westchester and Orange Counties.

CORRECTION:

Feb. 17, 2018: This story inaccurately describes a proposed pipeline project. Tulsa-based Williams Partners is proposing to add 37 miles of pipeline to its Transco pipeline system, including 23 miles of pipeline in the New York Bay, as part of its Northeast Supply Enhancement Project, according to the company’s website. The Rockaway Delivery Lateral project was completed in 2015, according to the company’s website.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.