NSTAR Gas plans to install 8,750 ft of 8 in plastic pipe
Location: Douglas
Company: NSTAR Gas/ES
Agency: DPU
Docket Numbers: 22-107, Filed 8/19/2022, DPU approved 12/9/22
On May 4, 2021, Douglas’ Select Board unanimously resolved to request NSTAR Gas
to supply natural gas to the Town. Currently, a local natural gas distribution company does not serve Douglas. The Town’s request to the Company for expansion of natural gas services was motivated by economic-development projects planned in the Lackey Dam/Gilboa Street area of Douglas and the requests of other existing businesses in the Town.
The pipeline won’t require permitting, because it’s below EFSB thresholds
Project Timeline
Links
Petition from NSTAR for Gas distribution to Douglas (Sept 2022)
Approved by Mass DPU December 2022
News
Massachusetts DPU Greenlights New Fossil Gas Expansion Despite GHG Reduction Laws (Dec 2022)
Opposition Groups
Sierra Club argues it is inconsistent with Global Warming Solutions Act, bad for ratepayers because DPU is planning to transition gas system in the Future of Gas docket in DPU 20-80
Comments: The project is inconsistent with Mass decarbonization mandates and other state policies, any increase in gas use is not in the state’s interest
Installing new gas infrastructure will prolong dependence on fossil fuels
Inconsistent with company’s decarbonization plan
Imprudent use of ratepayer funds, result in stranded assets
Company has not evaluated alternatives to gas expansion in Douglas
Conservation Law Foundation
The project will not advance the mandate to eliminate GHG emissions
Pipelines are prone to leaks (GHG emissions, stranded assets)
Sept 2022: Mass DOER, CLF, and Sierra Club filed petitions for leave to intervene as full parties
DOER granted full permission, CLF and Sierra Club as limited participants
Comments received from: Rep McKenna, Sen Fattman, the Town, Mothers Out Front/Newton Gas Transition Allies, Sierra Club, CLF, Gas Leaks Allies and Climate Reality Project (Boston Metro Chapter), EDF, Acadia Center, PipeLine Awareness Network for Northeast, Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility, and members of the public