The Long Island Senate Republican Delegation recently sent a joint letter to Governor Kathy Hochul calling for her administration’s full support of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) project.  This project is an essential energy infrastructure initiative that would strengthen New York’s energy reliability, stimulate the economy, and advance environmental sustainability goals.

The delegation, comprised of Ranking Republican on the Senate Energy Committee Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District), Senator Anthony Palumbo (1st Senate District), Senator Dean Murray (3rd Senate District), Senator Steven Rhoads (5th Senate District), Senator Jack Martins (7th Senate District), Senator Alexis Weik (8th Senate District), and Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (9th Senate District), emphasized in their letter that NESE represents a strategic investment in the state’s energy future, with measurable economic and environmental benefits.

The NESE project is projected to increase New York’s natural gas capacity by approximately 13%, addressing the growing demand from residents, small businesses, and emerging industries such as artificial intelligence–driven data centers. This increase in capacity would help ensure system resilience amid extreme weather events and potential supply disruptions.

Economically, NESE represents a $1 billion direct investment, expected to generate $548 million in economic activity, produce nearly $37 million in state and local tax revenue, and support approximately 2,000 direct and indirect jobs—including 1,200 construction jobs. The project is also anticipated to deliver $230 million in wages and benefits to New York’s workforce.

“The NESE project is about more than energy—it’s about jobs, reliability, and keeping Long Island’s economy strong,” said Senator Mattera. “This project will create thousands of good-paying union jobs for our hardworking men and women of labor, help protect consumers from rising energy costs, and ensure our communities have the stable, affordable energy they need for years to come. Governor Hochul should move this project forward without delay.”

"The Northeast Supply Enhancement Project is a smart, forward-thinking investment in New York's future. It not only creates thousands of good-paying union jobs, but also provides environmental benefits, and strengthens our energy infrastructure. I urge Governor Hochul to support this critical, common-sense project that will help keep New York's energy system reliable and strong," stated Senator Murray. 

“This project is about ensuring Long Island and New York have the reliable energy infrastructure we need to power our homes and businesses. The NESE project is a smart investment in our future that strengthens our economy and supports good-paying jobs,” added Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

“The Northeast Supply Enhancement Project is a common sense investment in our energy infrastructrue that will increase the supply of clean, efficient natural gas for our homes, our communities and our economy. The governor needs to support this vital project,” said Senator Weik. 

"The NESE project is a direct investment in our working families and local workforce,” added Senator Steven Rhoads. “Long Islanders expect and deserve safe, affordable and dependable energy options, especially as the cost of living continues rise.  This project offers real relief — delivering long-term savings, diversifying our energy portfolio, and creating thousands of good-paying union jobs. A recent bipartisan poll shows that 72% of New Yorkers support new natural gas pipelines like NESE, 84% see natural gas as a reliable energy source, and 76% consider it affordable. It’s time to make energy decisions based upon affordability and common sense. Governor Hochul should listen to her constituents and make NESE a priority for New York’s future.”

Independent analysis cited in the letter indicates NESE could save New Yorkers up to $6 billion in electricity costs over the next 15 years, with nearly half of those savings benefitting downstate residents.

Additionally, by reducing reliance on diesel-fueled truck deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the project is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions and decrease oil dependence—advancing New York’s broader environmental objectives.

The delegation’s letter concludes with a call for the Governor’s timely action, emphasizing that New Yorkers deserve an energy system that is reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible.