Kuster, Others Call for Review of Energy Projects

On Friday, U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, D-NH, submitted a letter to the Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC) calling for FERC to review all proposed energy projects across the region in tandem to determine how New England’s energy markets will best be served and to prevent any potential overbuild.

The letter, led by Kuster and signed by Reps. Niki Tsongas (MA-3), Jim Langevin (RI-2), Chellie Pingree (ME-1), and David Cicilline (RI-1), states that the Members “are acutely aware of the regional need for electricity and the plethora of energy projects that are being proposed in all New England states to meet that need. Given the regional nature of our electric market and the complicated changes that are underway across the region, both with new projects being proposed and with older power sources leaving the grid, we believe that as information of New England energy projects are submitted to FERC for review, FERC can only properly perform its duties by assessing these projects as a whole, instead of in silos.”

Kuster has fought for a respectful, comprehensive, and transparent public review process for all proposed energy projects. She has made a point to tour key sites in southern New Hampshire that would be impacted by construction and operation of Kinder Morgan’s proposed Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipeline, and has previously sent letters to FERC and Kinder Morgan highlighting her concerns with the project as well as joining the New Hampshire congressional delegation in calling for more public meetings and ensuring impacted residents may contribute to the federal review process.

“Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have advocated for smart energy policies that lower electricity prices for Granite Staters, protect our environment and preserve our way of life,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I am proud to join fellow New Englanders in calling on FERC to assess all of the region’s proposed projects together, to determine a course of action that is in the best interest of the public. I will continue listening to town officials and residents from impacted communities as the review process moves forward.”

The letter submitted to FERC can be read in its entirety below:

November 20, 2015

The Honorable Norman Bay

Chairman

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

888 First Street, NE

Washington, DC 20426

Dear Chairman Norman Bay:

New England has a long and honored history of being connected with our neighboring states. Whether through our commerce or through our regional transportation systems, the six states that comprise our region maintain a strong bond that dates back to our nation’s founding. Today, this connection is abundantly evident in our regional electricity grid which covers all six states. New England is witnessing an abundance of proposed energy projects that aim to expand the availability of natural gas, wind, solar and hydro-electric power to regional energy consumers. As various energy companies move projects forward in the FERC filing process, we urge that you review these projects in tandem with other proposed regional projects to determine how New England’s energy markets will best be served.

As you know, New England’s regional electric power market is operated by ISO-New England (ISO-NE), a regional transmission organization that is responsible for operating all wholesale power markets in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Over the past 15 years, New England has seen a dramatic reduction in the use of coal and oil for energy production, which has reduced harmful emissions that negatively impact public health. Additionally, the retirement of several New England nuclear power plants in the coming years will further change our region’s energy landscape.

Our goal, similar to yours, is to ensure that we encourage smart energy policies that lower electricity prices, protect our environment and preserve our way of life. We are acutely aware of the regional need for electricity and the plethora of energy projects that are being proposed in all New England states to meet that need. Given the regional nature of our electric market and the complicated changes that are underway across the region, both with new projects being proposed and with older power sources leaving the grid, we believe that as information of New England energy projects are submitted to FERC for review, FERC can only properly perform its duties by assessing these projects as a whole, instead of in silos.

As the only agency with direct oversight over the siting of natural gas pipelines, FERC has a powerful role in determining the fate of natural gas pipeline and other energy infrastructure projects. This role is only amplified when one considers the multitude of projects that are being proposed throughout New England. Given the magnitude of many of the projects being considered in New England, it stands to reason that FERC is the appropriate body to address coordination issues and should assess these projects as a whole to avoid any potential overbuild of our regional electricity market.

We appreciate your attention to this request, and look forward to continuing to work with you in service of the American people.

Sincerely,

Ann McLane Kuster Niki Tsongas

Member of Congress Member of Congress

Jim Langevin Chellie Pingree

Member of Congress Member of Congress

David Cicilline

Member of Congress