Following the Bill (H.R.2606) and the Proposed Gas Pipeline through Gateway

Metering and Regulating Station Location and path Alternatives from 2009 Draft by Williams

I'm certainly hoping that the bill in Congress that will authorize both a gas pipeline right of way through Jacob Riis as well as a new industrialized use of Floyd Bennett Field via a metering and regulating station will not sail through the Senate without the public hearing about it or having the opportunity to weigh the project's merits or detractions. Since the story broke locally via NY1 about the legislation passing in the House, I've been asking people their opinion about it and what I've found is that most people I talk to have heard nothing about it. Following this project is a little like playing the role of investigative journalist for oneself. And one part of following the project, a very important part in fact because without it the project cannot go forward, is following the path of H.R. 2606 in Congress. The latest news on the bill is a scheduled hearing for next Wednesday, March 7th at 2:30pm by the US Senate National Parks Subcommittee.

There is an expression that says a picture is worth a thousand words. Well if so, I'd like to draw your attention to the image above provided in one of the public documents by Williams that's available on FERC's e-library site. While this proposed gas pipeline project is being touted as part of a "green" agenda for NYC's future energy supply, you might notice that there is quite a bit of green in that picture above. And the greenest areas in that picture are the areas included in Gateway National Recreation Area. If you know a little bit about the history of the land use in this particular area and in New York City in general, you will understand that this is quite a remarkable and wonderful thing indeed. My understanding is that despite a history of all kinds of industrial use, this part of New York City (Jamaica Bay and its surrounding area) encompasses the largest acreage of open space today. (the image does not include the whole of the area)

I'm paying attention to this bill and to this project as are the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers (please follow the link to read why this bill and project are important) and the Jamaica Bay Task Force. I'm waiting for major media outlets to do the same.

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