U.S. Interior Secretary Urges New York Governor to Rethink Energy Policy

Burgum calls on Hochul to allow more natural gas pipelines and nuclear power to lower costs

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:55pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone natural gas pipeline valve or meter in an urban setting, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the metal surface, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the complex energy policy debates.The federal government's push for more natural gas infrastructure clashes with New York's efforts to balance energy costs and environmental concerns.NYC Today

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is pressing New York Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider her energy policies, arguing that approving more natural gas pipelines and nuclear power would dramatically reduce energy costs for millions of New Yorkers. Burgum's comments came during a groundbreaking ceremony for a controversial natural gas pipeline project that the Trump administration supports.

Why it matters

New York's energy policies have been a point of contention, with the state blocking certain pipeline projects that the federal government has backed. This clash highlights the ongoing debate over balancing environmental concerns with efforts to lower energy costs, especially as households face rising utility bills.

The details

Burgum said the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline (NESE) that broke ground on Tuesday will reduce energy bills by $1,000 for 2.3 million homes in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island. He also called on Hochul to stop opposing the 125-mile Constitution Pipeline that would bring natural gas from Pennsylvania through New York to Connecticut and New England. However, Hochul's office said the governor's 'all-of-the-above' approach includes various options to keep costs down, accusing the Trump administration of contributing to rising prices through tariffs and the war in Iran.

  • The groundbreaking for the NESE pipeline took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • Burgum said the NESE pipeline could start providing savings to New Yorkers as soon as the winter of 2027-2028.

The players

Doug Burgum

The U.S. Secretary of the Interior under the Trump administration, who is urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul to rethink her energy policies and allow more natural gas pipelines and nuclear power.

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York, who has opposed certain pipeline projects that the federal government has backed.

Lee Zeldin

The Federal Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, who called on Governor Hochul to stop opposing the Constitution Pipeline project.

Betsey McCaughey

The Republican gubernatorial candidate in Connecticut, who has sued Governor Hochul for blocking the Constitution Pipeline.

Christopher Miller

The Executive Director of the Eastern Environmental Law Center, who expressed concerns about the environmental impacts of the NESE pipeline project.

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What they’re saying

“The one thing that New York can continue to lead in is out-migration of people and businesses, or they could be back in the game of where everybody wants to be part of New York.”

— Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior

“We just need common-sense policies, and when we do that, it is good for people's paychecks, it's good for people's pocketbooks.”

— Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior

“It's not what we need at this point. It's gonna exacerbate climate impacts. It's gonna degrade our water quality. And it's gonna put communities at risk in terms of their health, safety, and their quality of life.”

— Christopher Miller, Executive Director, Eastern Environmental Law Center

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Constitution Pipeline project to move forward, despite Governor Hochul's opposition.

The takeaway

This clash between the federal government and New York state over energy policy highlights the ongoing tension between efforts to lower costs for consumers and concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuel infrastructure. The outcome could have significant implications for energy prices and the state's overall energy strategy.