Massachusetts Governor urges fast federal review of Enbridge gas pipeline expansion
Gov. Maura Healey asked the U.S. Energy Department to accelerate its review of Enbridge’s Project RARE pipeline expansion, saying it could save 600,000 customers money.
Governor Maura Healey wrote to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright urging a swift federal review of Enbridge’s Project RARE, a plan to replace roughly eight miles of the Algonquin natural-gas pipeline with larger-diameter pipes and add a secondary line in Rhode Island. Healey says the expansion could reduce energy bills for about 600,000 Massachusetts customers and stresses that speed should not sacrifice environmental or community review.
Enbridge and state utility Eversource back the project, noting a ten-year contract that could cut winter LNG purchases and save roughly $40 million each year. Climate advocates acknowledge potential emissions reductions from less LNG use but warn the expansion may lock in more gas consumption, with groups like the Sierra Club criticizing the move. The governor’s push aligns with her “all-of-the-above” energy strategy and occurs as she campaigns for re-election while the state strives to meet legally binding climate targets.
Why it matters
A faster approval could lower household energy costs but also intensifies debate over expanding fossil-fuel infrastructure in a climate-focused state.
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