Full Breakdown
Massachusetts Governor Urges Faster Federal Review of Enbridge Gas Pipeline Expansion
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Governor’s Request and Rationale
On October 2, Governor Maura Healey wrote to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright urging the Trump administration to accelerate the federal environmental review of the Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement (RARE) project, a $300 million capacity-expansion of Enbridge’s Algonquin gas pipeline in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Healey argued that any federal delay could jeopardize projected consumer savings and that the project aligns with her “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which includes gas alongside renewable sources.
Project Scope and Anticipated Benefits
The RARE expansion would add roughly 75 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to the existing Algonquin system, which already transports about 3.1 billion cubic feet daily across New Jersey, New York, and New England. Enbridge targets a 2028 in-service date. The additional supply is expected to serve 600,000 customers and lower gas bills by an estimated $40 million each year by reducing reliance on higher-cost imported liquefied natural gas from Constellation Energy’s Everett LNG terminal.
Political and Stakeholder Landscape
Healey’s position marks a shift from her tenure as state attorney general, during which she opposed new fossil-fuel projects. As governor, she faces mounting pressure from residents and businesses over high utility costs and is campaigning for reelection against Republican challenger Mike Minogue, who advocates for increased natural-gas flow into New England. Eversource, which secured two 10-year agreements in January to purchase gas through the expanded system, welcomed the governor’s letter; spokesman William Hinkle said the administration’s focus on an “all-of-the-above” approach supports reliable and affordable service for gas customers. Despite her support for the pipeline, Healey remains at odds with the Trump administration on offshore wind development.
Regulatory Status and Timeline
The RARE project is currently undergoing federal environmental review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Enbridge’s website indicates a 2028 in-service goal, contingent on completing the review without further delays. The governor’s appeal seeks to compress the review timeline to meet that target and deliver the projected cost savings to Massachusetts ratepayers.