Obama Signs Bill to Create Natural Gas Pipeline Through Queens, Brooklyn

President Barack Obama has signed a bill that would create a natural gas pipeline through areas of Queens and Brooklyn, including portions of the boroughs that were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

The bill would allow the federal government to hand out permits for an estimated three-mile natural gas pipeline through portions of the Gateway National Recreation Area, which includes Breezy Point and other portions of the Rockaways as well as sections of Brooklyn.

The bill was sponsored by U.S. Reps. Gregory Meeks, D-Jamaica and Michael Grimm, R-Brooklyn, as well as U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised the passage of the bill, which is known as the New York City Natural Gas Enhancement Act.

“Given the destruction of Hurricane Sandy, this law could not come at a more critical time for New York City,” the mayor said. “This pipeline will help us build a stable, clean-energy future for New Yorkers and will ensure the reliability of the city’s future energy needs.”