MAINOR: SHAME ON DEP FOR GREENLIGHTING GAS PIPELINE PROJECT, DESPITE POTENTIAL DANGER TO JERSEY CITY RESIDENTS

Assemblyman Charles Mainor today criticized the decision by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to award permits to energy company Spectra for the building of its controversial natural gas pipeline, which will be built partly in Jersey City:

"I'm flabbergasted by the lack of concern for residents in DEP's decision to grant Spectra the permits needed for the building of a gas pipeline through Jersey City.

"The pipeline will be built through some of Jersey City's most densely populated neighborhoods, putting countless residents in terrible risk if there is an accident.

"We saw the dangerous potential of these pipelines in San Bruno, California, where eight people were killed and dozens were injured after a natural gas line explosion last year. With the population density in our city, the potential for catastrophe is simply too great."

"This project doesn't just put lives at risk, but threatens our city's economic vitality, with developers thinking twice about investing in our city because of the pipeline.

"The administration should be ashamed of it itself for placing the interests of this energy giant over the safety of our residents, and the prosperity of our city."

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