Healey Seeks Faster Review of Gas Expansion Project Amid Energy Affordability Crisis
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has asked President Trump's administration to expedite the review of a planned gas expansion project. In a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Healey emphasized her 'all of the above' approach to energy issues and expressed support for the proposal.
The expansion, known as RARE (Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement), would increase natural gas supply in the state by 73,500 dekatherms per day. State regulators approved contracts earlier this year for Eversource to purchase additional gas from the project, which is expected to save customers around $40 million per year.
Healey's move has sparked criticism from environmental advocates who argue that locking in more natural gas contradicts the state's commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. They claim that expanding gas infrastructure will not lower heating costs, as evidenced by a recent analysis showing that despite increased gas capacity in New England, energy prices have risen.