(Providence, RI) -- A new natural gas-processing plant is being approved in Providence. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a decision on Wednesday for the 180-million-dollar National Grid plant on the Fields Point waterfront. The plant has been opposed by environmentalists who were supported by, among other elected officials, Mayor Jorge Elorza. Labor unions are welcoming the news, saying the project will bring hundreds of well-paying jobs and reduce high energy costs.