Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset) issued the following statement Tuesday declaring opposition to the PennEast Pipeline, a proposed $1.2 billion, 114-mile gas pipeline that would traverse Hunterdon and Mercer counties in New Jersey. A petition denouncing the pipeline route, which would cross waterways, wetlands and parks, has elicited 9,000 signatures from concerned New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents:
“The overwhelming bi-state opposition to the proposed PennEast Pipeline is rooted in facts presented by experts who, after careful consideration, concluded that the project would have no public benefit. I implore the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to give this data similar scrutiny.
“The pipeline proposal represents a lack of respect for the rule of law, utter disregard for New Jersey’s natural resources and an assault on the ownership of private property. Considering the fundamental right of individual landowners to retain their properties and the fundamental responsibility of the state to protect our waterways, wildlife and open space, it would be irresponsible to move forward with this project.
“New Jersey residents know there is no mulligan when it comes to our environment. We have a collective duty, therefore, to move forward with renewable energy, not backward by building more fossil fuel infrastructure. I will continue to work on bipartisan efforts toward innovative, job-creating, clean energy solutions that prioritize the wellness of both people and our planet.”