Roger Wood Indepth
The Northern Pass hydroelectric project isn’t the only energy project proposed and causing controversy in New Hampshire.
While federal, state and local officials examine the high voltage power line that, if approved, would carry electrical energy through central New Hampshire, a natural gas pipeline is also under scrutiny.
Kinder Morgan, based in Houston, describes itself as the third-largest energy company in North America, with 165 terminals and 84,000 miles of pipelines.
The newest one, proposed for a total of 188 miles from natural gas fracking locations in Pennsylvania, would run through New York into New England. And, the $5.2 billion project would cross New Hampshire affecting towns for some 71 miles, mostly using existing utility rights of way.
The company claims that it would create 1,000 construction jobs, and save ratepayers money, both from heating bills and electrical bills. But, ultimately it will be up to the powerful Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, which will decide whether the project is in the public interest.
Roger Wood reached out to Kinder Morgan for an interview. The request was forwarded to a local representative, but no-one from the conglomerate responded. But, there was plenty to say from opponents of the deal, including Tad Putney, town administrator for Brookline. He says that there has been a great deal of opposition in the area.
I also spoke to Joel Wool. He is with the non-profit Cleanwater.org, based in Massachusetts.