There are three fossil fuel pipeline expansion projects in various stages proposed in Massachusetts that will bring more fracked gas into our state. These projects will cost hundreds of millions of dollars each, a cost which will be passed through to you and me, and lock us into decades of increased pollution and increased bills.
Right now, we have the opportunity to submit public comments on the state and federal processes for two of these expansion projects. At a time where we’re seeing record heat, record costs, and the rollback of environmental protections, we have to push back against the status quo of increased fossil fuel use.
The problem with pipeline expansion
Expanding pipelines will increase our reliance on fossil fuels. Increasing the amount of gas that enters our state could delay the clean energy transition and lock us into a more polluting future. The lifetime of these pipelines is upwards of 60 years, well past when Massachusetts is obligated to reach a net-zero
More gas = higher costs. Despite fossil fuel companies best advertising efforts, we know that more gas will not lower our costs. Despite a 51% increase in gas capacity in New England since 2014, gas prices have risen about 93%. The cost of these projects is a “pass through” cost, which means that it will be reflected in the supply charges of our energy bills.
Ecosystem disruption. Replacing sections of the pipeline requires the creation of temporary roads, storage spaces, and access to previously undisturbed lands. This destruction of these ecosystems can have a devastating effect on animal habitats and flood resilience.
Pipelines leak. The pipelines that are slated for expansion carry natural gas, which is mostly methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Pipelines leak at astonishing rates, much higher than was previously reported, allowing methane to wreak havoc on our atmosphere. We need to be retiring pipelines, not expanding them.
Gas infrastructure is dangerous. Methane is flammable. Over the past 20 years, there have been an average of 300 pipeline incidents every year, causing 12 deaths and 55 injuries and costing an average of $800 million per year. Increasing the diameter of a gas pipeline increases the area that would be impacted if there was an explosion.
Project #1 The Algonquin Gas Transmission Enhancement (Also known as R.A.R.E).
Enbridge’s Algonquin Gas Transmission (AGT) Enhancement Project (also known as RARE - Reliable, Affordable, Resilient Enhancement), is a proposed expansion of their existing interstate gas transmission pipeline system. This expansion project will affect pieces of the existing pipeline in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. In Mendon, Franklin, Wrentham, and Bellingham, MA they will replace the existing 16” diameter with new 36” pipe, and over five times increase in volume for that stretch. The project in whole adds 75 million cubic feet per day capacity to the existing AGT pipeline system.
State Comment Opportunity: Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Environmental Notification Form
Deadline: 6/30/2026
Enbridge, the company that owns the AGT, is currently going through the MEPA process, and has submitted their Environmental Notification Form. This is the first phase of the review process, where the company lays out the potential environmental impacts of the project and provides an analysis of alternatives. If determined necessary, the project will go through a full environmental review process. In their ENF, Enbridge provided incomplete and inadequate information about the environmental impacts of the project and failed to fully investigate any alternatives.
We have to submit comments to make sure that the MEPA process will accurately reflect how harmful this project will be.
Our friends at the Berkshire Environmental Action Team have put together this document with talking points and a guide on how to submit MEPA comments. When writing comments, it is important to use your own wording or they will not consider the comments individually.
Federal Comment Opportunity: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Scoping Process
Deadline: 7/6
The AGTE is in the prefiling stages at the federal level, which means that FERC is performing an environmental review. Through scoping sessions and public comment, FERC will determine the scope of their environmental review and come up with solutions to your concerns.
To submit a comment with FERC, you first have to register online, please see comprehensive instructions here.
Our friends at the Berkshire Environmental Action Team put together this document with talking points and a guide on how to submit scoping comments.
Project #2 The Cape Cod Canal Pipeline Relocation (CCCPR)
There are two gas distribution pipelines attached to the Bourne and Sagamore Bridge that deliver gas across the Cape Cod Canal. These bridges are being replaced and as a result the gas lines must be moved. The Algonquin Gas Transmission Company, a subsidiary of Enbridge, is using this opportunity to increase the capacity of this gas line. Instead of replacing similar-sized pipes, Algonquin plans to construct something that is much longer and larger. This is a definite increase in transmission system capacity even though Algonquin claims otherwise.
Project #3: Project Beacon
Enbridge is attempting to initiate yet another pipeline expansion project on their AGT line, calling it Project Beacon. If it moves forward, this project will result in Enbridge replacing smaller pipes with larger ones and running secondary pipes alongside existing ones. Enbridge announced an “open season” on Project Beacon, to gauge interest in the expansion proposal and see what gas companies and power plants would buy the capacity.
The details of these projects are vague and the details will be based on the contracts that Enbridge secures through their open season, which ends July 1st.
There are no public comment opportunities at the moment.