Pilgrim Pipeline Resolution Passes Committee
Today the Assembly State and Local Government Committee passed by 3-2 AR191 (Stender, a resolution opposing the construction and operation of the Pilgrim Pipeline in New Jersey. Pilgrim Pipeline LLC is proposing to install two brand new pipelines across New Jersey to carry crude oil and refined petroleum products. The line cuts across 30 municipalities in 5 counties. The resolution cites a number of environmental, public health, and safety concerns with the project including risks to drinking water supplies, impacts to the Highlands region, and the volatility of Bakken crude oil which would travel in the pipeline. The resolution also calls on regulatory agencies to conduct extensive environmental reviews of the project and to prohibit its construction in the state. This is a first step by the Legislature in opposing the project. It has been announced that Republican minority leader Assemblyman Bramnick has put in a slip to co-sponsor this legislation.
“We applaud Assemblywoman Stender for leading the charge on this resolution which will protect the people and environment of New Jersey. We also want to thank Assemblyman Bramnick for showing bi-partisan support by co-sponsoring this legislation. It is critical for the Legislature to stand against this destructive pipeline and stand up to protect our environment. This pipeline is a danger to public health and our water supply. It will cut an ugly scar through environmentally sensitive areas and threaten the drinking water supply for more than 3 million people. Pipelines can have leaks and major spills and this would have disastrous effects on our environment and water supply. We thank the Legislature for this resolution and showing their support for the environment and the people fighting this pipeline,” said Jeff Tittel, Director, NJ Sierra Club.
Pilgrim Pipeline LLC is proposing to construct two new pipelines to connect Albany, New York, with Port Reading and Linden, New Jersey. The pipeline would increase the amount of Bakken crude that can be brought into New Jersey. This volatile fuel is currently coming into NJ facilities and traveling across our state on rail and barges. The pipeline would expand the transportation capacity in New Jersey, allowing more oil to come through our state.
The Pilgrim Pipeline would cut through important water supply watershed and near water supply aquifers. The pipeline will run through the Ramapo River Watershed in New York and New Jersey. This system serves Mahwah, Ramsey, Oakland, Franklin Lakes, Allendale, Pompton Lakes, Wayne and 8 more towns in New York as well as a backup to the Wanaque and Oradell Reservoirs during times of drought. The pipeline will pass through or near the Buried Valley aquifer, tributaries to the Hudson River, the Hudson River, and the Catskill and Delaware aqueducts which provide drinking water to New York City.
All pipelines are prone to human error, accidents, and spills. The Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reported 1,763 oil pipeline spills between 2002 and July 2012. Between January 2010 and January 2014 there were 37 releases of more than 1,000 barrels of oil. In recent years, we have seen oil pipeline spills with disastrous impacts around the country, most notably the Tesoro Spill in North Dakota, the Exxon Pegasus spill in Mayflower, Alabama, and the Enbridge spill in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Legislators and organizations are concerned if Pilgrim Pipeline comes through we are exposing our communities to the same risks.
Local municipalities along the route have been actively opposing the project. Sixteen municipalities in New Jersey and Passaic County have passed resolutions.
“With so many towns and Passaic County opposing this dangerous and terrible pipeline, it is important that the Legislature works to pass this through both houses as quickly as possible,” said Jeff Tittel.
The Sierra Club encourages concerned residents to contact their state representatives and urge them to co-sponsor and support this important resolution.
“We thank the Legislature for moving this resolution forward. It is important for our environment and our future,” said Jeff Tittel.