Apparently Enbridge didn’t get the memo. The memo being that we are in a climate red alert! That we must transition away from fossil fuels. That we must stop expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure immediately! That Massachusetts and other New England states have committed to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on an accelerated timeline, which means we must transition away from use of fossil gas now.
Instead, Enbridge, the infamous pipeline company responsible for Line 3, Line 5, and the Weymouth Compressor, is proceeding with a 23% capacity expansion of the Algonquin pipeline. This pipeline runs from New Jersey through New York and into Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, bringing fracked gas from as far away as Texas. The gas is then distributed to customers via distribution systems throughout New England. Enbridge claims more gas is needed for electricity generation and heating at the exact time we are seeking to reduce gas for these purposes.
Enbridge first announced this capacity expansion in late 2023, seeking customers willing to sign contracts. Since then the company has been proceeding with a series of supposedly independent “improvements and maintenance” on the pipeline, all consistent with their objective of increasing its capacity. Here is what we know so far.
- Enbridge is proceeding with a replacement pipeline with 4X the capacity of the existing pipeline in Rhode Island under the Sakonnet River, part of Narragansett Bay. Despite best efforts of the opposition, the Rhode Island authorities and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved the project at the end of June.
- At the same time, FERC also authorized the construction of a new metering and regulator facility in Coventry, CT, denying protests filed by the opposition.
- On state-designated Priority Habitat of Rare Species in Lincoln, MA, Enbridge is planning to remove 40 or more mature trees in order to gain access to replace the metering and regulator facility there. The site is on land owned by the City of Cambridge that was purchased to provide a natural buffer for the city’s water supply. Cambridge opposed the project, but Enbridge sued, claiming eminent domain. A settlement was reached on June 14. Opposition is forming, including a tree sit-in. It appears that Enbridge is short-cutting the approval process that should have included at least the state environmental authorities.
What can you do?
- Educate yourself and others about this problem. See http://stopprojectmaple.org for more background and upcoming actions. Join activists in the Stop Project Maple coalition by contacting Martha Klein (puckyshouse@gmail.com).
- Write Letters to the Editor of your local papers expressing your opposition.
- Contact your local officials in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut to sign an opposition letter for your state. See https://stopprojectmaple.org/take-action/ for instructions.