Healey Seeks Trump's Help on Gas Expansion Project

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has asked President Trump's administration to expedite the permitting process for a gas expansion project, known as RARE, in an effort to bring more natural gas into the state and reduce energy costs. The project, which is owned by Canadian company Enbridge, aims to add 73,500 dekatherms per day of capacity to an existing pipeline.

Healey's letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright comes as the state grapples with soaring energy prices, with electricity rates reaching double the national average. The governor has previously expressed support for RARE, citing its potential to save customers $40 million per year over a decade by displacing reliance on more expensive liquefied natural gas.

However, environmental advocates have raised concerns that expanding gas infrastructure runs counter to Massachusetts' commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Caitlin Peale Sloan, vice president for climate and energy at Conservation Law Foundation, said that 'this letter unwittingly adopts the false narrative that expansion of gas infrastructure will lower heating costs.'

Healey's letter also hints at a larger pipeline expansion project, known as Project Beacon, which Enbridge is considering. The proposal would increase gas supply by up to 10% on the Algonquin pipeline system and could potentially start operations in 2030.