Press Release  AG Healey Files Comments with FERC Urging Caution on Kinder Morgan Pipeline

Boston — Attorney General Maura Healey Monday filed comments with a federal regulatory agency urging a thorough review and examination before allowing the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline to move forward.

AG Healey, in a letter filed Monday with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), notified the agency that her office is in the midst of a study to identify and evaluate options to address regional electricity reliability needs, including natural gas capacity demand, in New England through 2030. 

AG Healey has said that before the state makes long-term decisions about additional gas capacity investments, it should understand what the future demand is, and what cost effective energy and efficiency resources can be deployed to meet that demand.  She had previously urged the state Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to refrain from approving the precedent agreements for gas utility companies to purchase gas capacity on the pipeline until the study was completed. The DPU refused that request, instead proceeding with an expedited approval process and approving the agreements. 

“This proposed pipeline will have a significant impact on local residents and the energy future of Massachusetts,” AG Healey said. “We need more information about whether this pipeline is necessary before moving forward. My office is urging FERC to move cautiously on this, and we intend to play an active role in this proceeding moving forward.”

FERC, an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, reviews all proposals to build natural gas pipelines. The agency is currently in its scoping comment period which ends October 16.

A copy of the comment letter can be found online.

###