Energy Department commits up to $42 million to proposed Constitution gas pipeline

WASHINGTON, Oct 19 — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said on Oct 19 it will use up to $42 million in Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III funding to advance a proposed 125-mile natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania to New York.

DOE said the funding will support eligible pre-construction and permitting activities, which may include environmental reviews, engineering and site-preparation work, and, after permits are completed, the deployment of complementary natural gas infrastructure. The department said Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC's project will carry gas to Northeast markets that currently have limited access to the fuel. "It will also reduce the risk of blackouts during periods of peak electricity demand and make our nation more secure," U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said.

According to DOE, $1 billion in federal funding has been appropriated under the Working Families Tax Cut for energy-related projects deemed critical to national security. The department said Presidential Determination No. 2026-12 identifies natural gas pipelines, processing and storage as essential to national defense.