Zeldin Pushes Energy Pipeline, Fracking Reversal

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin brought the Trump administration’s energy agenda to Binghamton last month, urging New York to approve additional natural gas infrastructure and reconsider policies that have limited development of the state’s own natural gas resources.

During a press conference in the Southern Tier, the Shirley native called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to support the long-delayed Constitution Pipeline and reverse New York’s ban on hydraulic fracturing, arguing the policies have increased energy costs while preventing communities from benefiting from the same Marcellus Shale formation that has transformed neighboring Pennsylvania.

The proposed Constitution Pipeline would transport natural gas from northeastern Pennsylvania through Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties before connecting with existing pipelines serving New York and New England. Administration officials say the project could supply enough natural gas to meet the daily needs of roughly three million homes.

Standing just miles from the Pennsylvania border, Zeldin contrasted New York’s policies with the booming natural gas industry across the state line. While Pennsylvania has become one of the nation’s leading natural gas producers through development of the Marcellus Shale, New York has prohibited hydraulic fracking since 2015.

The difference is particularly evident in Bradford County, Pa., where well sites such as the Rossi pad near Sayre continue producing natural gas years after drilling was completed. The industry has generated thousands of jobs, lease payments for landowners, tax revenue for local governments and business for suppliers throughout the Northern Tier.

Zeldin said New York already relies heavily on natural gas for electricity generation and home heating, making it illogical, in his view, to block domestic production and pipeline construction while continuing to import energy from elsewhere. Environmental groups, meanwhile, continue to oppose new fossil fuel infrastructure, citing concerns over water quality, climate change and long-term reliance on natural gas.

The visit underscored the sharp contrast between neighboring Pennsylvania and New York, where two states sharing the same Marcellus Shale formation have pursued dramatically different energy policies with markedly different economic outcomes.