WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE PROPOSED GAS PIPELINE IN MASSACHUSETTS

The Spectra Energy 30 inch high-pressure gas pipeline, proposed for transit through from Bellingham through Canton, will be the subject of a talk at the Walpole Public Library on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 7:00 PM. Carolyn and Rand Barthel will offer information about the pipeline, its potential impact on your town, why it is not needed, and what town officials and residents can do about it.

The pipeline is part of the Access Northeast Project, a 125-mile expansion of the Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline in Massachusetts. This part of the pipeline, the Q1 loop, would be developed by Spectra Energy, Eversource Energy, and National Grid at an estimated cost of $3 billion. Unprecedented negotiations with the DPU are underway to have citizens pay this cost through a surcharge on their electric bill. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office released a study, “Power System Reliability in New England: Meeting Electric Resource Needs in an Era of Growing Dependence on Natural Gas”, concluding that, under existing market conditions, there is no electric sector reliability deficiency through 2030. The study indicated that no additional pipeline gas capacity is needed to meet electric reliability needs.

Carolyn Barthel is a climate activist and founder of the Central Mass and Greater Franklin Nodes of 350 Mass. Rand Barthel is also a climate activist and a member of 350 Mass. 350 Mass was created by the Better Future Project to support volunteers working in their communities on local issues and climate awareness. Better Future Project is a Cambridge-based climate organizing nonprofit founded in January 2011.

The talk is sponsored by the Walpole Peace and Justice Group. It will be held in the Community Room at the Walpole Public Library, 143 School Street, Walpole, MA.

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