Gov. Healey asks Trump administration to expedite gas pipeline review

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey asked the Trump administration to expedite federal review of the Project RARE natural gas pipeline expansion, aiming to lower heating costs for 600,000 customers amid high regional energy prices. The 1,100-mile Algonquin pipeline proposal, advanced by Enbridge, would upgrade infrastructure to increase daily gas supply into Massachusetts by 75 million cubic feet. The request lands as the state weighs legally binding emissions reduction targets against severe winter heating price spikes.

Governor Healey Urges Energy Secretary Chris Wright to Speed Pipeline Review

Governor Healey sent a letter Thursday to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright requesting a rapid assessment of the Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement proposal, known as Project RARE. The governor stated that federal regulators and state officials must keep the project on track so residents can see savings. Healey emphasized that a prompt regulatory review does not require sacrificing environmental safety or community outreach.

This project will lower costs for 600,000 customers, Healey said in a statement. Massachusetts is moving forward with its review, and I’m asking the federal government to do the same — move quickly and keep this project on track so customers can see the savings.

Enbridge Proposes Algonquin Pipeline Upgrades to Alleviate New England Constraints

Project RARE involves replacing approximately eight miles of existing pipes with larger-diameter lines across parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, alongside secondary pipeline segments and compressor station upgrades in Cromwell, Connecticut. Enbridge spokesperson Max Bergeron noted in an email that expanding capacity is essential for meeting peak winter demand during extreme weather. The 1,100-mile Algonquin system currently moves over 3 billion cubic feet of gas daily, and the expansion would add roughly 75 million cubic feet per day to supply-constrained areas.

Eversource Secures Ten-Year Gas Agreement to Cut Winter Liquified Natural Gas Reliance

Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities approved a 10-year contract allowing utility Eversource to purchase gas from the Project RARE expansion. Eversource spokesperson William Hinkle stated that the agreement will reduce reliance on high-cost imported liquified natural gas during cold months and save customers approximately $40 million annually. Hinkle also characterized the deal as part of an all-of-the-above energy approach while noting it will not solve regional affordability challenges alone.

Climate Advocates Balance Ratepayer Savings Against Long-Term Emissions Goals

The push for expanded gas capacity conflicts with legally binding state mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New England has some of the most expensive energy prices in the country due to heavy reliance on natural gas and persistent interstate pipeline delivery constraints during cold weather months.