DETROIT (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced his office has petitioned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to look into Constitution Pipeline Company’s (Constitution) alleged violations of federal law.
These alleged violations occurred on the company's pipeline right-of-way in the state of New York. Schneiderman contends that Constitution engaged in widespread tree clear-cutting, an activity for which it lacked the necessary approvals.
“Absolutely no proposed pipeline project construction can begin until all required state and federal approvals are issued,” Schneiderman said. “My office has found compelling evidence that Constitution not only ignored widespread, unpermitted construction along its pipeline right-of-way corridor, but even authorized, encouraged, or condoned it. Constitution also did not report this activity to FERC or to the state.”
Handling the case for the Environmental Protection Bureau are bureau chief Lemuel Srolovic, assistant attorney general Maureen Leary, environmental policy analyst Jeremy Magliaro and environmental scientist Mauricio Roma-Hernandez.
“FERC must take strong enforcement action against Constitution to ensure that pipeline companies know they can’t simply thumb their nose at laws that protect New York’s landowners, communities and environment,” Schneiderman said.