Public Citizen Seeks FERC Review of Constitution Pipeline Approval Process

A consumer advocacy group is urging federal regulators to investigate whether political pressure influenced the review of the Constitution Pipeline after President Trump publicly discussed a deal involving pipeline approvals and New York offshore wind projects.

(P&GJ) — Public Citizen is calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to investigate whether political considerations have influenced the federal review of the proposed Constitution Pipeline, citing recent statements by President Donald Trump linking pipeline approvals to offshore wind development in New York, according to a filing published by Public Citizen.

The advocacy group argues that comments made by Trump in June suggest an arrangement existed between the administration and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul involving support for natural gas pipeline projects and offshore wind development. Public Citizen contends those remarks raise questions about whether the Constitution Pipeline's regulatory review is being conducted independently and in the public interest.

In its filing, the organization pointed to Trump's public statements claiming New York had agreed to support the Constitution Pipeline and the Northeast Supply Enhancement project in exchange for federal support of offshore wind projects. Public Citizen argues those comments warrant additional scrutiny by FERC before any decision is made on the proposed pipeline.

According to Public Citizen, FERC previously dismissed allegations of a quid pro quo arrangement as speculative during proceedings involving the Northeast Supply Enhancement project. The group now says the president's public remarks provide a stronger basis for regulators to examine whether political pressure has affected the pipeline approval process.

As reported by Public Citizen, the organization is asking FERC to pause consideration of the Constitution Pipeline and open a formal investigation into the claims. The group maintains that regulators should determine whether the project's review remains consistent with the commission's public-interest obligations before moving forward with any certificate decision.