Why Governor Maura Healey Is Now Backing Natural Gas Expansion in Massachusetts

We've come a long way from when Attorney General Maura Healey bragged in October 2022, "Remember, I stopped two gas pipelines from coming into this state."

Healey was a candidate for governor of Massachusetts at the time, but now that she is seeking reelection and facing a tsunami of criticism from residents who claim her energy policies nearly broke them last winter, her opposition to natural gas appears to have softened.

In fact, Healey has become a cheerleader for a natural gas pipeline expansion project.

From Pipeline Blockade to Federal Petition: A Policy Shift

In 2020, Healey's stated objective was to "transition away from fossil fuels and change the way gas utilities do business in our state." Something happened along the way.

Inside the Letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright

Healey wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright asking the administration to speed up plans to expand the Algonquin pipeline in Massachusetts.

"I write today to urge the Trump Administration to join with Massachusetts and focus your efforts to increase gas supply in New England on viable projects that can be built quickly and that bring real savings to customers," Healey wrote.

Healey Completes Flip-Flop On Massachusetts Natural Gas Pipelines

According to Healey's letter, this flip-flop has been a work in progress. "On several occasions we have discussed our mutual desire to get more U.S. natural gas into New England to reduce reliance on higher-cost imported fuel and lower costs for customers," she wrote.

Reelection Pressure and Soaring Winter Energy Rates

Energy in Depth wrote, "Healey knew that natural gas was needed. She blocked it anyway."

"With energy affordability again a major political issue in Massachusetts and Healey seeking reelection, it is clear she will say whatever she needs to in an election year," according to Energy in Depth.

Key Project Numbers: 600,000 Customers and $40M in Annual Savings

Reuters reported that Algonquin expansion would supply gas to 600,000 Massachusetts customers, cut bills by an estimated $40 million annually, and reduce reliance on more costly imported LNG shipments.

Who knows, maybe Healey will someday endorse a return to nuclear power in Massachusetts. Oh, wait...