Rally held in hopes of stopping Iroquois Pipeline expansion

ALBANY — A rally at the New York State Capital War Room in Albany, New York, was held on Monday, Dec. 16, to stop the Iroquois Pipeline expansion project.

The expansion of the Iroquois Pipeline would increase fracked gas use downstate, expand compressors in Athens and Dover and double the pressure of the pipeline as it goes across the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and under the Long Island Sound to bring more gas to New York City and Long Island.

Emily Skydel, the Hudson Valley senior organizer for Food & Water Watch, said, “We’ve seen increases in storms, drought, forest fires, so we know that the increase in methane emissions has a very serious impact on our safety... That’s number one.”

“Number two, dangerous carcinogenic chemicals from the project also puts everyone at risk,” said Skydel, who explained the issues associated with pipelines, especially older ones.

Susan Karnes Hecht, Town of Poughkeepsie Climate Smart Task Force Chair, agreed, saying, “The dangers and health risks of this project … are too numerous to list.”

A letter listing over 100 organizations and eight municipalities in support of stopping the expansion was presented for Gov. Hochul’s review. The Town of North East passed a resolution in November against the pipeline’s furtherance.