Spectra Energy caves in, gives up on Islander East Pipeline

HARTFORD, Conn. - Houston-based Spectra Energy Corp. and Westborough, Mass.-based National Grid USA are withdrawing their appeal to the U.S. Commerce Department to overturn Connecticut regulators' denial of environmental permits for the Islander East project, Spectra spokeswoman Toni Beck said on Feb. 26.
Spectra and National Grid had proposed a nearly 50-mile pipeline, which included a 23-mile section in Long Island Sound from Branford, Conn., through the Thimble Islands to Wading River, N.Y., on Long Island's north shore. They submitted their first application to federal officials in 2001.
The companies had appealed the permit rejections all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, but justices declined to hear the case in December.
Connecticut officials claimed a final victory on Feb. 25 in their extended battle against the proposed Islander East pipeline after the project's developer withdrew its last appeal.