Rockland County Opposes Project Maple Fracked Gas Pipeline Expansion

By Idy Perl

The Rockland County Legislature voted to formally oppose “Project Maple,” a fracked gas pipeline expansion proposal, becoming the first county in New York to do so and adding weight to the growing movement to urge Governor Hochul to stop the project. 

Project Maple would expand the capacity of the Algonquin Pipeline, which runs through the lower Hudson Valley, and includes plans to expand the Stony Point compressor station in Rockland County. Such expansions would increase emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which would cause air quality concerns in the area. The project would also increase New York's fossil fuel use just as the state’s climate law mandates large emissions reductions and poses serious safety and public health risks for communities along the pipeline route.

Environmental and community groups have voiced their concerns and resolutions opposing the project have come from towns and villages along the route, but Rockland’s countywide stance marks a significant escalation in public opposition.

“Rockland County’s vote shows just how widespread the opposition to Project Maple has become,” Melissa Hoffmann, Hudson Valley Organizer with Food & Water Watch, said . “This pipeline expansion would drag us backwards on climate and put communities across the region at risk. It’s time for Governor Hochul to listen to the people she was elected to serve and commit to stopping Project Maple.”