While burning natural gas generates less greenhouse gases than other fossil fuels, Massachusetts already is overly reliant on natural gas for electricity generation. I believe we must work to generate as much of our energy needs as possible here in Massachusetts. Our energy supply must be resilient, diverse, predictable and consistent with our responsibilities under the Global Warming Solutions Act, and aligned with the opportunities of the growing renewable energy sector.
On this basis, I oppose the proposed Kinder Morgan Pipeline, and believe it is a bad deal for the people of the Commonwealth. The estimated $1.2 billion required just to build the pipeline would be much better spent on infrastructure for distributed, renewable solutions such as wind and solar, smart grid technology and other ways to make Massachusetts more modern and efficient. In addition, the substantial takings of private land, and the disruption of local communities that this pipeline would bring, are unacceptable costs.
Our focus must be on creating a power generation system that is distributed and resilient, and which expands and effectively integrates renewable energy. Related to this, we must also focus on fostering the growth of thriving communities based on the principles of Smart Growth, including infrastructure investment that aligns public policy and supports local planning. We must generate as much energy locally as we can – and work to harden our energy infrastructure to ensure it is resilient enough to withstand stronger and more frequent storms, as well as other natural and man-made disasters.
Above all, this requires a strategic approach to supporting the energy needs of the people of Massachusetts and a 21st century economy. A massive, long-term investment in infrastructure for the transport, consumption and sale of natural gas is inconsistent with these goals and I therefore oppose it.