Feds Clear Way for Williams Pipeline over NY Objections

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Federal regulators have cleared the way for a Williams Partners natural gas pipeline to move forward despite New York’s denial of a water quality permit that had blocked the project.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruled Wednesday that the state Department of Environmental Conservation missed a one-year deadline when it rejected the permit in 2016.

The 124-mile, 30-inch-wide pipeline would run from Pennsylvania’s shale gas fields to eastern New York.

Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Williams appealed to federal courts after New York rejected a water quality permit over concerns for 250 streams. It appealed to FERC after losing court challenges.

Williams spokesman Christopher Stockton said the project sponsors are evaluating their next steps. He said it still needs a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

New York's DEC didn’t immediately comment.