BOSTON, MA – Today Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) called on New England policymakers opposed to new energy infrastructure projects to reject future Russian LNG shipments and instead move forward with the expansion of pipeline infrastructure across the region that could use domestic energy supplies and labor to increase lost capacity.
The latest cold snap in New England, coupled with the shortage of pipeline capacity in the region, and the most recent rejection of renewable infrastructure – the region has not only created new issues for clean energy development, but it has caused a renewed appetite for natural gas imports. Currently, the Engie SA Everett import terminal in Boston, which recently received a shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, meets about 20 percent of the market demand for gas supplies in New England and the Northeast.
“Despite booming U.S. oil and natural gas production and our nation exporting LNG from other terminals on the Gulf Coast, we still have a situation where Russian LNG is being delivered to Boston because the Northeast is insufficient in pipeline and storage capacity,” CEA’s President David Holt said. “From policymakers rejecting pipelines in the region and New Hampshire recently saying no to more hydro transmission, these decisions are just further entrenching the Northeast’s addiction to foreign energy and highlights the regions “Not-In-My-Backyard” stance on energy development.”
Holt added: “Unfortunately, New England families will continue to be crushed by the untenable costs of energy prices this winter, and every foreseeable winter until their policymakers finally take responsibility and make energy affordability a priority. Without acting and realizing the burden facing New England energy consumers, New England policymakers are doomed to rely on Russian LNG tankers to keep the lights on and homes heated, instead of using American energy and infrastructure.”
Last month, a CEA analysis found that the “bomb cyclone” in New England significantly increased regional demand for electricity, causing wholesale electricity prices to increase over 600 percent. For more information on this analysis, please click here.
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 450,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.
Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org
