Natural Gas Pipeline Proposal

Kinder Morgan Tennessee Gas Pipeline

Background

The energy company Kinder Morgan has filed a preliminary proposal with the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) for a new natural gas pipeline that would run approximately 250 miles through New York and Massachusetts. The proposed route crosses through 44 towns in Massachusetts, including 15 communities in the Third District. Kinder Morgan hopes to receive all the necessary permit approvals by November 2016, and put the pipeline in service in late 2018.

My position

New England, like many areas around the country, faces energy challenges. We need careful and strategic long-term planning in order to lower energy prices and increase reliability.

Increasing access to reliable sources of natural gas could help address some of New England’s energy challenges, including energy prices which have historically been above the national average, however there is no guarantee. Currently, studies are underway to determine the region’s projected energy demand and whether additional natural gas infrastructure will be required. Like all large infrastructure projects with the potential for significant environmental degradation, proposals for new natural gas pipelines must be closely scrutinized.

I have heard from hundreds of Third District residents expressing their concerns with the proposed Kinder Morgan project. Like them, I oppose the current proposed pipeline route. I find it deeply troubling that the proposed route passes through private and public conservation land, local farm land, state forests, parks, wildlife management areas, and wetlands. It is also my understanding that the proposed route would cross drinking water supplies in several Third District communities. We have a long-standing history in the Commonwealth of preserving natural habitats and protecting open spaces for the public benefit. Kinder Morgan’s proposed route has the potential to cross through some of the most cherished conservation land in Massachusetts; much of this land has been set aside strictly for conservation purposes using both public and private funds. 

In addition, Massachusetts’ environmental regulations and endangered species designations often go above and beyond Federal designations and requirements due to our desire to retain these precious species. These species include the blue-spotted salamander, wood turtle, Blanding's turtle, American bittern, and the brook floater. Environmental mitigation efforts during construction of the pipeline would not guarantee that wildlife is not negatively impacted.

For these reasons, I have written to both the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Kinder Morgan expressing my opposition to the proposed pipeline route.

I also requested that FERC ensure that the public process be open and robust so that all concerns are appropriately studied, that they undertake a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and that they hold multiple hearings in the Third District. FERC responded to my letter stating that they will conduct a full and comprehensive EIS and are committed to fully engaging the public throughout the project review period, including via public hearings.  

I have been monitoring the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline matter closely. Members of my staff have attended community meetings and have engaged with local organizations and individuals about the proposed line. We have also been briefed on the federal regulatory process by FERC. I will continue to keep a close eye on the role the federal government is playing to oversee the proposal.  And, I will continue to urge FERC to ensure that their review process is comprehensive, open and transparent to the public and fully considers the concerns of the residents I represent.

What you can do

Kinder Morgan filed their first preliminary application with FERC on September 15, 2014. FERC is the federal regulatory body that oversees pipelines and energy projects that have interstate impacts. The company has now entered into a multiyear review process and will be required to submit alternative route proposals and undergo environmental reviews, which will include consultations from Federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency regarding safety and environmental concerns respectively, as well as public comment periods. During these comment periods, any individual or organization may submit comments and concerns with the draft proposal. FERC has published a Citizen's Guide to Pipelines as a source of information on the regulatory approval process and information for landowners to better understand their rights regarding proposed pipelines. This guide can be found online at: http://www.ferc.gov/for-citizens/citizen-guides/citz-guide-gas.pdfor a paper copy may be requested from FERC's Office of External Affairs at 202-502-8004. 

FERC has also set up an e-subscription service on its website. This e-subscription will automatically email all documents that are filed in relation to the project, including announcements of public comment periods and official FERC scoping meetings. In order to sign up, you must create a FERC online account at this website http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp and request documents for Docket Number PF14-22. For those who do not have readily available Internet access, you can file comments on the project with FERC by addressing postal letters to:

Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

888 First Street, NE

Washington, DC 20426

Kinder Morgan will also have to work with a number of Massachusetts regulatory agencies including the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and various divisions within the Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs throughout the siting and permitting process.  The Energy Facilities Siting Board is the nine-member review board responsible for licensing the construction of major energy infrastructure in Massachusetts, including pipelines, and represents Massachusetts throughout the FERC review process. Charged with ensuring a reliable energy supply for the Commonwealth, the Board attempts to minimize the impact on the environment at the lowest possible cost. All Siting Board meetings are open to the public and constituents are encouraged to attend. Additional information on the Energy Facilities Siting Board can be found in their online handbook: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dpu/siting/handbook.pdf.