Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Make a sustaining gift today to support local journalism!

Ayotte, Kuster Opposed To Kinder Morgan Pipeline

Allegra Boverman for NHPR

Two members of New Hampshire's Congressional delegation have come out in opposition to Northeast Energy Direct—the controversial natural gas pipeline proposed by Kinder Morgan.

Republican Senator Kelly Ayotte and Democratic Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster both say there are too many unanswered questions about the 420-mile project that would run from Pennsylvania to Dracut, Massachusetts.

More than 70 miles of the project would run through towns on New Hampshire's Southern border.  

Kuster says it's important to find ways to lower electricity rates, which project supporters argue it would do.

"But the bottom line is the case has not been made to me or to my constituents that this proojct will lower rates to these consumers in a way that outweighs the burden on these communities."

Kuster represents the 2nd Congressional District, which includes many of the towns along the proposed route.

It will ultimately be up to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve the project.

It approved, the project would be granted the power of eminent domain, and would hope to begin construction in early 2017. 

Read Ann McLane Kuster's letter of opposition to the pipeline:

Michael serves as NHPR's Program Director. Michael came to NHPR in 2012, working as the station's newscast producer/reporter. In 2015, he took on the role of Morning Edition producer. Michael worked for eight years at The Telegraph of Nashua, covering education and working as the metro editor.
Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.