Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster

Representing the 2nd District of New Hampshire
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Pursuing Smart Energy Policies

Proposed Kinder Morgan Pipeline

New Hampshire must pursue smart energy policies that both protect our environment and lower costs for Granite State families and businesses. As a Member of Congress, it is my role to ensure that Granite State voices are heard on the federal level whenever a new energy project is proposed in the state, such as the Kinder Morgan pipeline.

While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will have final say on whether the pipeline moves forward, Granite Staters must be a part of the decision. Your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions should influence every step of the approval and planning process, and I’ve taken a number of steps to amplify your voices. I’ve met with many constituents to discuss their concerns regarding the possible disruption to local communities, potential environmental issues, and sound issues. Based on what I have seen, heard and learned about the proposed pipeline, I do not believe this project serves the best interests of the Granite State and its residents. I share many of the residents' concerns and I’ve worked to ensure these thoughts are heard and reflected in the federal review process.

Below, please find more information on the work I’m doing to make sure your concerns are heard, and an outline of additional ways you can get involved:

Letters Sent:

July 22, 2015: I sent a delegation letter to the Inspector General of the Department of Energy to call for a review of FERC’s interstate natural gas permitting process, so we can ensure this process takes into consideration the public input of community members with concerns about the project.

July 22, 2015: I sent a delegation letter to FERC urging the Commission to fully consider public input in all aspects of its decision-making process, and inviting FERC to New Hampshire to hear directly from local members of each affected community. 

April 30, 2015: I sent a delegation letter to FERC requesting scoping meetings take place in every town that requests such a meeting, so any affected residents have a chance to ask questions and voice concerns.

February 27, 2015: I sent a delegation letter to Kinder Morgan requesting open houses for affected communities and an extension of the timeline for public comment. We must ensure Granite Staters get a chance to provide input.

January 14, 2015:  I sent a delegation letter to FERC requesting an open and transparent process and information about the timeline for the Preliminary Filing process.  Providing input and comments during FERC’s Preliminary Filing process is a critical opportunity to identify areas of concern in the project and its proposed route.  Public input during Preliminary Filing allows FERC to identify environmental, economic, historic, and the geographic areas of concern that FERC will focus on during the Environmental Impact Study.

October 15, 2014: I sent a joint letter with Senators Ayotte and Shaheen requesting that FERC take into consideration questions raised by Hollis, Brookline, and Salem regarding the necessity of the project, the proposed route, and how the pipeline will impact conservation lands and public safety. 

I’m eager to hear your thoughts on the Kinder Morgan pipeline, and I will continue to relay your questions and concerns to FERC. If you’d like to share your thoughts with me, you can submit a comment on the pipeline, or email me at NH.Energy@Mail.House.Gov.

FERC is the agency ultimately responsible for approving or rejecting the proposed pipeline, so I strongly encourage you to participate in FERC’s scoping process by contacting FERC directly. You can do so by visiting this page, or by mailing the address below:

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20426

To learn more about commenting via FERC’s website, please click here.  

 

 

More on Pursuing Smart Energy Policies

Apr 20, 2016 Catching up with Annie

Dear Friends, 

This afternoon, Kinder Morgan announced that it has indefinitely suspended the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline project. I was proud to lead the fight against this project, and I am so pleased that Kinder Morgan has listened to our concerns. 

Oct 1, 2015 Press Release

Concord, NH – On Tuesday, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) presented a letter to the Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC) calling for FERC to consider assessing energy projects across the region in tandem with its review of the proposed Northeast Energy Direct pipeline. The letter was read at the final scoping meeting before FERC’s preliminary scoping period ends and Kinder Morgan officially files with FERC initiating the Environmental Impact Study process.

Sep 24, 2015 Press Release

Energy Department Agrees to Issue Supplement to Environmental Impact Statement, Extend Public Comment Period, & Delay Public Hearings

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), along with Representatives Ann McLane Kuster (NH-2) and Frank Guinta (NH-1) applauded today’s decision by the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a more thorough review of the Northern Pass Transmission Project’s newest “preferred route” proposal.

Sep 24, 2015 Press Release

(Washington, DC) – Today, New Hampshire’s Congressional Delegation renewed their request to the Department of Energy Inspector General to address specific concerns about the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) permitting process for interstate natural gas pipelines. The inquiry comes as the delegation continues to seek greater consideration of public comments by Granite State residents and communities potentially impacted by Kinder Morgan’s proposed Northeast Energy Direct (NED) natural gas pipeline.

Sep 2, 2015 Press Release

Concord, NH – On September 2, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) sent letters to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and to Kinder Morgan relaying concerns that she shares with her constituents regarding the proposed Kinder Morgan Northeast Energy Direct Pipeline.  Kuster has fought for an open, transparent, and fair review process for the pipeline and recently toured a number of sites in southern New Hampshire that would be impacted by construction and operation of the pipeline.

Aug 26, 2015 Event

Pelham, NH – On August 26, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with Pelham residents and toured the Peabody Town Forest in Pelham that could potentially be affected  by the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline proposed by the energy company Kinder Morgan. Kuster has long fought for an open, transparent, and fair review process by the Federal Energy Regulatory Council (FERC), which will make the ultimate decision on whether the pipeline will move forward.

Aug 26, 2015 Press Release

Pelham, NH – On August 26, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with Pelham residents and toured the Peabody Town Forest in Pelham that could potentially be affected  by the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline proposed by the energy company Kinder Morgan. Kuster has long fought for an open, transparent, and fair review process by the Federal Energy Regulatory Council (FERC), which will make the ultimate decision on whether the pipeline will move forward.

Aug 20, 2015 Event

On August 20, Congresswoman Annie Kuster toured sites in four Hillsborough County towns that could potentially be impacted by the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline proposed by the Kinder Morgan energy company. Kuster has long fought for an open and transparent review process by the Federal Energy Regulatory Council (FERC), which will make the ultimate decision on whether the pipeline will move forward.