Building trades leaders endorse gas pipeline project
Three building trades groups representing 84,000 workers in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire released a statement Monday endorsing Kinder Morgan’s proposed Northeast Energy Direct underground natural gas pipeline project.
The groups, which include the Massachusetts Building Trades Council, New Hampshire Building and Construction Trades Council and Maine State Building and Construction Trades Council cited job creation and opportunity for increased natural gas delivery in endorsing the project, which has faced criticism in Massachusetts from those who oppose mining natural gas through shale fracking, and from environmentalists who did not want Kinder Morgan to build a pipeline through undisturbed land across Northern Massachusetts.
“The project will create 3,000 construction jobs and be an economic boost to Massachusetts’ working families and local businesses,” said Frank Callahan, president of the Massachusetts Building Trades Council. “But solving New England’s energy supply crunch in an environmentally responsible way, the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline will reduce energy bills for families and businesses, strengthening our entire economy.”
Kinder Morgan earlier this month announced plans for an alternate pipeline route through New Hampshire, leaving Central Massachusetts out of plans for the main pipeline, though company officials have left open the possibility of an extension line in Massachusetts. Either way, the project is expected to increase natural gas capacity in Massachusetts if it’s approved.
The project is subject to a lengthy review by federal officials, and Kinder Morgan is expected to submit a final proposal at the end of 2015.
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