Earthjustice attorney Moneen Nasmith, who represents the groups challenging FERC’s August decision, said the regulator needs to do a new review since much has changed since 2019.

“The company went back to FERC this year and said, ‘just kidding,’ we want to build the project anyway,” Nasmith said, “which is not something FERC has ever done before. There’s no process for it. There are no rules for it. In fact, FERC’s rules very much say they’re not allowed to do that.”

Nasmith said the project would have significant impacts on ecosystems and water quality, especially in wetland areas of New Jersey and the Raritan Bay.

“Our ask to FERC is to do this right,” Nasmith said. “They need to go back to the drawing board and look at the entirety of the project’s impacts in the present day and make sure that we’re genuinely reviewing those thoroughly and accurately before we say yes to this thing.”

The groups challenging FERC’s decision include the Central Jersey Safe Energy Coalition, Food & Water Watch, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, NY/NJ Baykeeper, Princeton Manor Homeowners Association, the Sierra Club and Natural Resources Defense Council.

The Transco pipeline system is one of the largest in the U.S. and Williams says this enhancement project will increase supply by about 13%, generate $1.8 billion in economic development and employ about 2,000 people.

In an emailed statement, Williams wrote that their “projects undergo rigorous state and federal review, with robust opportunities for public input and strict environmental safeguards.”

“The Northeast Supply Enhancement project will deliver major economic and reliability benefits to New York, while meeting or exceeding all safety and environmental standards. Williams is committed to transparency, community engagement, and supporting New York’s climate and energy goals,” the statement said.

FERC said it does not comment on pending litigation. Its approval would grant the pipeline company the power of eminent domain.