President Trump criticized New York officials for blocking natural gas pipelines to New England. He claims residents are paying thousands more for heating because of these decisions. Trump promised to revive the Constitution Pipeline, saying families could save up to $5,000 yearly. He’s scheduled a meeting with Governor Hochul for March 2025 and might use federal power to override state decisions. The dispute highlights tensions between federal and state energy authorities.
President Donald Trump lashed out at New York leaders for blocking natural gas pipelines to New England, threatening to override the state’s authority if necessary. In his remarks, Trump claimed that New Englanders could save approximately $2,300 per month on heating costs if the pipelines were approved.
The controversy centers around the Constitution Pipeline, a 125-mile project that would transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York. With a capacity to deliver 650,000 dekatherms daily, the pipeline could serve about 3 million homes. The project was scrapped in 2020 after facing strong opposition from New York state officials.
Trump has vowed to revive the pipeline if elected, arguing that families could save up to $5,000 on energy costs. Trump emphasized his commitment to energy independence by posting his criticisms on Truth Social platform. The Northeast currently faces limited pipeline capacity despite abundant gas reserves in nearby regions, contributing to higher energy prices throughout New York and New England.
Trump pledges to resurrect the pipeline, promising families substantial energy savings in pipeline-starved Northeast regions.
The former president has scheduled a meeting with New York Governor Kathy Hochul for March 15, 2025, to discuss the pipeline plans and other issues including the congestion pricing initiative. The president expressed hope for productivity during this upcoming White House meeting. Despite calling Hochul “a very nice woman,” the meeting has potential for conflict given their different political views.
The dispute highlights tensions between federal and state authority. Trump suggested he might use federal power to override New York’s decision, noting that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission previously ruled New York forfeited its power to block the Constitution Pipeline.
New York’s energy policies include a fracking ban and requirements for all-electric heating in new buildings by 2026 or 2029, depending on the structure size. However, Governor Hochul has shown flexibility by approving an expansion of the Iroquois pipeline.
Trump indicated the pipeline could be built in 9-12 months and mentioned eminent domain as a last resort. He warned he’d use “other authorities” if New York doesn’t cooperate, though Williams Companies, which lost $400 million pursuing the Constitution pipeline, has expressed reluctance to proceed without governors’ approval.
