Over the past few months, there has been much conversation and several public hearings regarding the Access North East Project and Atlantic Bridge Project proposals. My staff and I have heard from many constituents who are opposed to the pipeline expansions because of safety concerns, as well as environmental impacts, both in the area where compressor station expansions are proposed, and related to the manner by which the gas is extracted at its source. Many also favor a reduced role for natural gas, and an increasing role for renewables, within our overall energy policy.

To help give voice to these concerns, I have written to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Secretary Bose and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Suuberg. Because of the importance of this issue within my senate district, the role of gas within the Commonwealth’s energy plan, and issues of fracking in the context of the national energy policy debate, I wanted to share the contents of my letter with all of you. If you have any questions regarding the letter below, please contact my office.

Published by senatorjohnkeenan