State Senator Edward Meyer
May 2, 2008
Meyer Welcomes Court Rejection of Islander East Project
Federal court says no to twice-denied gas pipeline through shellfish beds
State Sen. Edward Meyer (D-Guilford), who is co-chairman of the Environment Committee, today welcomed the decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York to reject a plan by the Islander East Co. to build a 50-mile natural gas pipeline from Branford, Connecticut to Yaphank, New York.
Sen. Meyer has been fighting against the proposed pipeline for several years; Connecticut's state Department of Environmental Protection has twice denied the necessary permits needed for the project.
"This is great news and a major victory that preserves the superb natural resources--including shell fishing beds--of the Branford shoreline and Thimble Islands," Sen. Meyer said. "Today's court decision also establishes a highly significant legal precedent that recognizes a state's right to protect its own environment."
Islander East had asked the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York to review the DEP's decision not to grant the project the necessary permits. The DEP denied Islander East's application in 2004 and again in 2006, saying the 50-mile pipeline's route would damage water quality, natural resources and prime shellfish beds.
Islander East needs Connecticut water-quality permits to secure federal approvals for the pipeline, which would connect Branford to Long Island's eastern end. Today's decision could lead Islander East to change the proposed route, appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, or scrap the project.
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