Activists March to Block Revived Natural Gas Pipeline Project in New York
New York, Friday, 18 September 2026.
Environmentalists launched a 108-mile protest against New York’s revived Constitution Pipeline. Though designed to power three million homes, state officials are fighting federal efforts to bypass local environmental permits.
Protesters Launch 108-Mile Walk Against Pipeline Revival
On September 17, 2026, environmental advocates and Indigenous leaders initiated a 108-mile protest march across New York State to oppose the proposed revival of the Constitution Pipeline [1]. The demonstration, featuring actor Mark Ruffalo and Indigenous grandmas, began amidst renewed efforts by developers to construct the 124-mile natural gas pipeline through Broome, Chenango, Delaware, and Schoharie Counties [1]. While proponents argue the infrastructure could stabilize fuel supply and reduce energy costs, the project faces significant opposition regarding its environmental impact [1]. The march is scheduled to conclude on October 4, 2026, in Schoharie, where participants plan to deliver collected water to Governor Kathy Hochul [1]. Today is Friday, 18 September 2026, placing the conclusion of this 16-day march in the near future [GPT]. The pipeline is designed to transport fracked natural gas from northeast Pennsylvania to the Wright Compressor Station in Schoharie County [1].
Federal and State Regulatory Conflict Intensifies
Regulatory friction remains high as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) public comment period for the 2026 Environmental Assessment is set to close on Monday, September 21, 2026 [1]. Ken Lovett, Senior Communications Advisor on Energy and Environment to Governor Hochul, stated on September 17, 2026, that there is no active proposal for the pipeline currently before New York State [1]. Lovett noted that the developer is attempting to have the federal government circumvent New York’s permitting process, a move the state has sued over to protect its oversight rights [1]. This legal battle echoes previous conflicts, including a 2016 denial by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) which was upheld by federal appeals courts in 2020 [1]. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited Binghamton in June 2026 to advocate for the project, accusing state officials of hindering access to reliable energy [1][4].
Economic Implications for Consumers and Utilities
Proponents claim the pipeline could save New York consumers billions on energy, though specific figures for the Constitution Pipeline remain contested [1]. Comparative data from the revived Williams Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) pipeline project suggests potential cost increases for ratepayers; the NESE pipeline is projected to increase average National Grid customer bills by at least 3.5% [2]. Over a 15-year period, the total billing impact for similar infrastructure is estimated at $3.2 billion [2]. National Grid earns a guaranteed rate of return of approximately 14% on construction costs, incentivizing “anticipatory infrastructure” projects regardless of final approval status [2]. There is a slight discrepancy in reported pipeline length, with some sources citing 124 miles and others 125 miles, representing a difference of 0.806 percent [1][4].
Environmental Goals and Future Timelines
The project’s viability clashes with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which mandates greenhouse gas emissions reductions to 40% of 1990 levels by 2030 [4]. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is roughly 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas over a 20-year period [2]. The Constitution Pipeline has a proposed capacity of approximately 650,000 dekatherms of natural gas per day, sufficient to supply roughly 3 million homes across New York and New England [1]. As the protest march continues through October 2026, the state remains engaged in litigation against the FERC in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the pipeline [1]. The outcome of the FERC comment period closing September 21, 2026, will be a critical indicator of the project’s immediate regulatory trajectory [1].