New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and National Grid reached an agreement to end a moratorium on new gas hook-ups on Long Island. Cuomo had threatened to revoke an operating license for the energy utility.
National Grid put the moratorium in place because of what they said was a gas supply shortage.
Critics say it was just an excuse to get support for a new natural gas pipeline that would make climate change worse.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone says lifting the moratorium is a good sign but the gas pipeline is still necessary as a transition to cleaner energy.
“Well I think it’s an important step forward for the region, but we do need to have that transition fuel.”
The deal to lift the moratorium will fine National Grid $36 million and allow for new gas hook-ups for two years.
In the meantime, the utility will have to create a long-term plan to serve new customers. This could include building the natural gas pipeline.
