https://www.wsj.com/articles/cuomo-vs-new-york-11558134235
Governor Andrew Cuomo proved again this week that the biggest threat to New York isn’t Donald Trump, but progressive anti-growth policies. Witness his administration’s permit rejection for a 23-mile natural gas pipeline connecting New York City and Long Island with Pennsylvania shale gas fields.
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.