RUTHFULLY YOURS

Beyond creating hundreds of construction jobs, the pipeline would boost development. Low-income housing developers urged the Governor to approve the permit, noting “the uncertainty related to state approvals” is “particularly concerning, since alternative energy options are unavailable or would include costs and design changes that have not been factored into these developing projects.” Don’t they understand that political uncertainty is a cost of doing business in New York?

The pipeline would also lower carbon emissions since oil is often burned for heating and electricity when demand for gas exceeds supply. No matter. Environmentalists detached from economic and energy reality claimed the pipeline would hinder development of wind and solar, which make up a mere 5% of state electricity though Mr. Cuomo has set the fantasy renewable target of 50% by 2030.

New York’s hostility to natural gas and nuclear power could soon lead to an energy shortage. Mr. Cuomo has pushed for the Indian Point nuclear plant that provides power to New York City to be decommissioned within the next few years. He has also banned drilling for natural gas in the rich Utica and Marcellus Shale that lie under the state, and he has blocked another natural gas pipeline upstate. Due to pipeline constraints, the utility Con Edison in March suspended natural-gas hookups in Westchester County north of New York City.

The Big Apple and its suburbs lost population last year for the first time in at least a decade, and the Governor’s senseless pipeline veto shows why. It’s getting harder to afford the illogic of progressive policies.