The governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island are teaming up to look for ways to increase the region's reliance on renewable energy while expanding natural gas capacity. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said the effort is part of a push to reduce energy costs, strengthen grid reliability, and increase the region's economic competitiveness.
Baker said it's important for Massachusetts to embrace cooperation with neighboring states to pursue natural gas expansion. But, the Republican hasn’t backed Kinder Morgan’s proposed $4 billion pipeline.
“At this point in time I don’t support it,” Baker said. “But I think we do need to do something to expand our capacity, but I think we should do that along the existing routes.”
Baker said electric distribution companies in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are collaborating with their state agencies to begin seeking proposals from suppliers of clean energy resources including wind and solar.
Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said by working together the states can make the most efficient use of resources to attract new clean energy projects.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
