New York environmental regulators say they're rejecting a critical permit needed for a major natural gas pipeline project to proceed.
The Department of Environmental Conservation says Friday it won't issue a water quality permit for the 124-mile Constitution Pipeline from Pennsylvania's shale gas fields to eastern New York.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the pipeline project in 2014 contingent on the state permit, which is required by the federal Clean Water Act.
Constitution Pipeline Company, a partnership formed by Cabot Oil & Gas, Williams Partners and Piedmont Natural Gas Company, can appeal the state decision.
Environmental and community groups have pressed Gov. Andrew Cuomo to decline the permit. Some local officials and labor groups argued the pipeline was essential as New York has been increasing its natural gas consumption.
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