Healey Seeks Faster Pipeline Review Amid Election-Year Energy Focus
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has written to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright urging him to expedite federal reviews and permits for an expansion of the Algonquin gas pipeline. The project, known as the Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement (RARE) Project, aims to provide natural gas supply to 600,000 customers. Healey's request comes ahead of the November general election, where energy has become a central theme in her reelection campaign against Republican Mike Minogue.
Healey's administration supports the expansion, which is expected to reduce reliance on costly imported liquified natural gas and cut customer bills by roughly $400 million over ten years. The project has a planned 'in-service' date of 2028, with two decade-long contracts set to begin November 1, 2029.
Environmental advocates have pushed back against Healey's support for the expansion, citing concerns about climate change and decarbonization goals. A multistate coalition of over 90 environmental groups has demanded that New England governors oppose expansions of natural gas in the Northeast.