U.S. energy company Williams is taking steps to resurrect two previously canceled natural gas pipelines that would transport gas from Pennsylvania to New York, in a renewed push that reflects both shifting political dynamics and regional energy demand. The projects — Constitution Pipeline and the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) — had been shelved due to permitting hurdles, particularly in New York and New Jersey.
However, Williams recently confirmed it has submitted a petition to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reinstate the NESE project’s certificate of public convenience and necessity and is actively working through state-level permitting with environmental regulators in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, according to Reuters.
Although New York Governor Kathy Hochul has not explicitly endorsed the pipeline projects, recent political developments suggest a more cooperative stance between the state and the federal government on natural gas infrastructure. The Trump administration reportedly lifted a stop-work order on Equinor’s Empire Wind, a $5 billion offshore wind project, after negotiations with Hochul, during which she agreed not to obstruct new gas pipelines meeting legal standards. U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum noted he was encouraged by the state’s willingness to allow pipeline capacity to move forward, signaling a potential thaw in what had been a regulatory impasse.
The Constitution Pipeline was originally canceled in 2020 and the NESE project in 2024, both due to prolonged battles for permits from New York authorities. Now, amid pressure from the Trump administration and growing concerns over energy reliability, Williams is attempting to reactivate the initiatives. According to individuals familiar with the matter, who spoke to the press on condition of anonymity, Williams is preparing to refile documentation with federal agencies, and the filings could be submitted imminently.
Williams believes both pipeline projects are critical for addressing persistent natural gas supply constraints in the Northeast. The company argues that the lack of infrastructure has led to higher energy prices and increased dependence on more polluting fuels like fuel oil. While environmental groups have previously criticized the NESE project — particularly for its planned route across Raritan Bay — supporters contend the pipelines would enhance energy security and attract manufacturing investments to the region.
Despite the renewed momentum, regulatory uncertainties remain. It is still unclear whether Williams will be able to leverage prior authorizations to fast-track the projects. However, federal legislative efforts are underway to streamline the pipeline approval process. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stated it is “quite likely” that construction on the Constitution Pipeline could begin this year, adding further weight to the company’s revival efforts.
