Why New England’s gas debate is still in the review stage

NorthEast News is following Project RARE, a proposed Enbridge gas-pipeline expansion affecting Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has asked federal officials to move faster on the review, arguing additional capacity could help address winter energy costs. That request does not mean the project has been approved.

The debate has two timelines: near-term reliability concerns during cold weather, and longer-term questions about fossil-fuel dependence, environmental effects and local impacts. The federal process is still in its pre-filing stage, where regulators identify issues before a formal application. Communities along the proposed work areas can still take part as the record develops.

NorthEast News breaks down the proposal, the claims around costs and what comes next: https://www.northenews.com/article.html?slug=massachusetts-project-rare-gas-pipeline-review-2026