Healey Urges Feds to Speed Up Gas Pipeline Expansion

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has written to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright urging him to speed up the expansion of natural gas into Massachusetts. The request comes as part of her reelection campaign, which is centered around energy policy. Healey argues that expanding the Algonquin gas pipeline will reduce reliance on imported fuel and lower costs for customers.

Last September, Healey lent her support to Eversource's proposal to lock in more natural gas for Massachusetts. The project, known as RARE (Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement), has a planned 'in-service' date of 2028 and will provide gas supply to 600,000 customers.

Healey's request is aimed at expediting the federal reviews and permits required for the expansion. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission began its environmental review of the project in February and has since conducted public scoping. Healey argues that the project will lower costs for customers and be paid for by the developer, not ratepayers.

The Fiscal Alliance Foundation released a study last week estimating that expanding the Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline could save Massachusetts ratepayers an average of $367 million each winter. However, environmental advocates have criticized Healey's support for the expansion of fossil fuel into the state.