Trump gives contentious New York pipeline a Defense Production Act boost

The Trump administration is giving a defense-related boost to a contentious pipeline in the Northeast U.S.

The Energy Department said Monday that it would give up to $42 million from the Defense Production Act for the Constitution Pipeline project that would transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York.

The pipeline project was scrapped in 2020 after New York officials denied it a key approval.

However, Williams Companies expressed renewed interest in the project last year after apparent support from the Trump administration.

Last year, the Trump administration also said it would allow an offshore wind project to move forward after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) made “comments about her willingness to move forward on critical pipeline capacity.”

At the time, Hochul’s office denied that there was a deal on any natural gas pipelines.

On Monday, the Trump administration said that its funding would support pre-construction and permitting activities needed to advance the project, and after it receives permits, could support the deployment of gas infrastructure.

“President Trump promised to lower energy costs and reverse the energy emergency he inherited that was caused by 17 years of energy subtraction policies. That is why he promised to build the Constitution Pipeline — a project that will transform the lives and economic opportunities for Americans across New York and New England,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Hochul criticized Monday’s announcement.

“Today’s announcement is nothing more than a political ploy to divert attention from Trump’s tariffs and his reckless war in Iran that have not only failed to bring down prices as the President promised, but have dramatically driven up home energy costs and gas prices at the pump,” said Ken Lovett, Hochul’s senior communications adviser on energy and environment, in a statement.

“While the President continues to obsess over blocking renewable energy projects in order to focus on gas, oil and even coal, Governor Hochul is focused on driving an all-of-the-above energy strategy designed to keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers,” Lovett said.

The Defense Production Act was passed during the Korean War as an effort to help the government jumpstart industries needed for defense purposes.