Massachusetts governor asks Trump administration to speed natgas pipeline review

• The Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement (RARE) project will expand Algonquin pipeline capacity by 75 million cubic feet per day, with a targeted 2028 in-service date
• The project aims to reduce reliance on higher-cost imported LNG from Constellation Energy's Everett terminal and deliver $40 million in annual savings
• Massachusetts DPU approved two 10-year gas supply agreements in January; the project is currently undergoing federal environmental review at FERC

Summary:

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has requested the Trump administration accelerate federal review of Enbridge's natural gas pipeline expansion project in New England. The initiative, called the Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement (RARE) project, involves expanding the Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline.

Key Details:

• Project Benefits: Expected to supply 600,000 customers and reduce gas bills by $40 million annually
• Capacity Addition: Approximately 75 million cubic feet per day
• Timeline: Enbridge targets a 2028 in-service date
• Current Status: Undergoing federal environmental review through the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Strategic Context:

The project represents a significant policy shift in the Northeast, where states previously opposed fossil fuel projects but are now more accepting due to soaring consumer energy costs. The additional capacity aims to reduce reliance on higher-cost imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Constellation Energy's Everett LNG terminal.

Existing Infrastructure:

The Algonquin system currently transports approximately 3.1 billion cubic feet per day through 1,131 miles of pipeline across New York, New Jersey, and New England.

Recent Approvals:

In January, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities approved two 10-year agreements between Eversource Energy units and Algonquin for new gas supply deliveries.

Governor Healey emphasized an "all-of-the-above" energy approach, including solar, wind, storage, nuclear, geothermal, hydro, and gas, signaling Massachusetts' evolving energy strategy that balances climate goals with affordability concerns.