President Donald Trump promised to revive the long-stalled Constitution Pipeline, which would transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York, saying the project could reduce energy prices in the northeastern United States by up to 70%.

“We are going to get this done, and once we start construction, we’re looking at anywhere from nine to 12 months, if you can believe it,” Trump said Friday during a press briefing after signing an executive order on energy in the Oval Office. 

“It will bring down the energy prices in New York and in all of New England by 50, 60, 70%.”

The pipeline, originally proposed by Williams Cos., was scrapped in 2020 after New York blocked the project over concerns about its potential impact on water quality. While the exact impact of the pipeline on energy prices remains uncertain, the project could address significant supply constraints in the region.

Trump indicated that he would meet with state governors to discuss the project’s future, asserting that “most of the permits — almost all of the permits” are already in place.

“All of the governors want this to happen, and I think it’s going to happen. It’s now going to happen,” he added.

The Constitution Pipeline has become a symbol for energy advocates who have criticized state opposition to oil and gas infrastructure. Despite the Northeast’s proximity to abundant natural gas reserves, limited pipeline capacity has hindered the region’s access to those resources.

During his first term, Trump’s administration sought to limit states’ authority under the Clean Water Act, which has allowed states to block projects they consider harmful to their environment.

Trump did not specify how the pipeline would be authorised or whether Williams Cos. would resume construction. Spokespersons for the company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In addition to his executive order declaring the United States to be in an energy emergency, which mentions the Northeast’s energy constraints, Trump on Friday also raised the possibility of using eminent domain to secure land for the project.

“We’d rather not have to go eminent domain,” he said. “We’ll do that if we have to, but hopefully we won’t have to do that.”