May 13, 2019

Honorable Andrew Cuomo, Governor

State of New York
Executive Chamber
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo:

On behalf of the New York State AFL-CIO’s 2.5 million members, retirees and their families, I write to
urge the state’s approval of the Northeast Supply Enhancement Project (NESE).

Your administration has been laser focused on creating economic opportunity and good jobs throughout
our state. Without NESE that shared goal is imperiled. As you are aware, natural gas suppliers in the
metropolitan area have announced moratoriums on new residential, industrial, and commercial hookups
without capacity enhancements. In addition to the 200 good-paying construction jobs that will be created
by NESE, there are countless others in infrastructure and other large-scale projects, not to mention
additional private development, that are jeopardized by a lack of natural gas capacity.

This is not an either/or proposition with regard to clean energy. The New York State AFL-CIO and its
affiliates are committed to growing the green energy sector as demonstrated by our partnership on the
development of offshore wind and other renewable sources. However, the simple fact is we cannot wait
to move forward on critical projects while the alternative sources develop. In addition, NESE avoids
problems that have inhibited other transmission projects; it connects off land in New York Harbor, which
is already home to 230 miles of pipe and cable. Moreover, without NESE, conversions from oil will be
prevented, which would be counterproductive to your cleaner energy goals.

I firmly believe NESE is critical to achieving your vision and to the future of our state’s economy,
therefore I once again urge its approval.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Mario Cilento
President

MC:ac
opeiu-153

cc: Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor

Hon. Basil Seggos, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Conservation