Opponents of a natural gas pipeline slated to be built across the Hudson River have a reason to celebrate Friday.

A federal court in Washington ruled that state environmental regulations can be used to block the construction of the Millennium Gas Pipeline across Haverstraw Bay from Rockland to Westchester. In December of 2001 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave its approval of the pipeline, which would have carried natural gas from Canada to a terminal in Mount Vernon.

Opponents were concerned about the possible environmental implications in the Hudson River. Residents living along the route in Westchester were also worried about possible pipeline accidents hear homes and schools. The ruling could still be appealed, but opponents of the pipeline are convinced this is the end of the road.