On Dec. 19, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)issued an interim order authorizing the construction and operationof the Millennium natural gas pipeline. The pipeline will transport700 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to markets in NewYork and the northeast United States.

"This is a momentous day for the Millennium pipeline and thecustomers we will serve," says Millennium Pipeline Chairman DavidPentzien. "We are very appreciative that Millennium's in-depthpublic review has culminated in FERC certification of the project.I commend the commission and its staff, along with numerousfederal, state and local authorities and the people of New York forconsidering this application diligently over the past four years.This a significant step forward in Millennium's efforts to helpmeet New York's growing need for cleaner-burning natural gas."

The FERC's interim order authorized construction of more than99% of the proposed pipeline route. However, a two mile area in andaround the city of Mount Vernon in Westchester County, is still tobe decided. The FERC asked Millennium to work with local officialsto come up with an agreed upon route. However, the commissionstated that if no such agreement can be reached, it would select aroute and issue a final order approving the construction of thepipeline.