Transco/Williams, a large multi-national corporation, is planning to build a high-pressure gas pipeline through Gateway National Park. The Transco/Williams Rockaway Lateral Pipeline’ will carry “fracked” natural gas from the Marcellus Shale in upstate New York. It will tunnel under Breezy Point, Riis Park and Jamaica Bay, through precious wetlands, bird sanctuaries and fishing grounds, and continue under Flatbush Avenue surfacing at the Kings Plaza Shopping Center at Avenue U. In addition to the pipeline, a metering station is planned for one of the empty hangers at Floyd Bennett Field putting the adjacent community at risk, as well as the community gardens and the work of over 400 gardeners. The U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 2606 (written by Congressman Michael Grim, Staten Island/Bay Ridge) which allows the drilling. The Senate passed a similar bill with a few changes. HR 2606 is currently up for a final vote in the House (week of November 12, 2012.)
On August 4th, members of Brooklyn For Peace, Coalition Against the Rockaway Pipeline and more joined together at Jacob Riis park to spread awareness about this project.
More reasons to fight the pipeline . . .
All pipelines corrode over time, especially those submerged in saltwater. Transco/Williams has a poor safety record. Last year one of its pipelines exploded in Alabama. Natural gas is being sold to New Yorkers as “clean energy” but it is not. It is methane, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Fracked gas – natural gas released when water and toxic chemicals are injected into the shale under intense pressure – is a greater threat to or health, environment and planet than the dirtiest coal. The pipeline is planned for National Park Service land under legislation allowing corporate use of public land for for-profit business.
Why Saturday August 4?
This Saturday, August 4th, representatives of the Parks Department will be providing information to the public on three different development plans for Gateway, and they are asking for feedback from the public. The pipeline, scheduled for construction regardless of which plan is adopted, will not be mentioned in their literature and discussion. Our presence this Saturday will alert the Parks Department and our elected representatives to our opposition to the pipeline, give us an opportunity to educate the public, and give each of us an opportunity to weigh in on the three Gateway plans.
Getting There by Subway and Bus
2 to Flatbush Avenue, then take the Q35 bus to the park
A or S to Rockaway Park then Q35 or Q22 bus to the park
Getting There by Car
Get directions to Jacob Riis Beach on Google Maps or put 155th Street, Rockaway, NY into your GPS. There is a large parking lot with plenty of space for everyone just a short walk from the beach. Parking is $10/day.
For more information on this issue, and other action suggestions check out saneenergyproject.org/ or contact the Coalition Against the Rockaway Pipeline at carp4073@gmail.com.