Mayor Wants FERC Held Accountable for Pipeline Proposal

Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt is asking state officials to hold the Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC) accountable for the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline project that will affect the city and other communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

On Friday, the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, a Kinder Morgan Company, will be filing a certificate application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Northeast Energy Direct natural gas pipeline project.

Bettencourt and the City Council are opposed to the project, and the mayor said he is upset that FERC has not held a local hearing on the project in or near Peabody.

In letters to Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, and Governor Charlie Baker, Bettencourt asks the officials to hold accountable.

“The Commission touts its determination to be open and fair to all those involved in the matters to which it holds jurisdiction,” Bettencourt wrote. “Thus far in its dealings with Peabody however, FERC has failed to live up to this standard.”

Bettencourt noted that although he requested that a local forum with FERC on the project, he did not hear back from the commission.

“Given the potential impact on public safety and quality of life for Peabody residents, I am extremely disappointed by FERC’s lack of response and lack of accountability,” Bettencourt stated.