As the southern part of the country experiences historic devastation from climate change, Hudson Valley and Harlem Valley communities are fighting a fracked gas expansion proposal that poses risks to the region and to the growing climate crisis.  

If approved, the Iroquois Pipeline Expansion by Compression proposal would double the pressure on a 30+ years old fracked gas pipeline, posing serious safety and health risks for surrounding residents. Emissions from the compressor station include Nitrous Oxide and fine particulate matter known to cause cancer and heart disease.

Athens is host to one of the four compressor stations that the Iroquois Pipeline company has proposed expanding. The village of Athens’ board issued a memorializing resolution on Wednesday October 9th at their town board meeting.  The resolution, introduced by Village Board Member Josh Lipsman, was passed unanimously by the board. 

“I commend the village of Athens for standing up for the right to clean air, clean water, and a livable future. It’s up to Governor Hochul to do her job and protect the people she’s been elected to serve by denying the Iroquois fracked gas pipeline expansion.” – Emily Skydel, Senior Organizer with Food & Water Watch.