Governor Healey Reassesses Stance on Kinder Morgan and Access Northeast Gas Pipelines Amid Rising Energy Costs in Massachusetts

Governor Maura Healey is reevaluating her previous opposition to two natural gas pipelines proposed by Kinder Morgan and Access Northeast as energy costs in Massachusetts rise. Initially, Healey blocked the projects while serving as Attorney General, citing them as unfavorable for ratepayers.

However, recent statements indicate a shift, attributing the soaring costs to external factors, including tariffs. The Access Northeast project was estimated to cost $6.6 billion, while Kinder Morgan's costs ranged from $3 to $5 billion.

In contrast, Kinder Morgan claimed that their pipeline could have saved ratepayers $2.8 billion since 2018. Healey's administration now acknowledges the importance of balancing energy sources, with critics highlighting that her efforts to halt natural gas infrastructure could have contributed to increased energy costs. A recent report indicated that energy policy surcharges have driven electric bills from $113 in 2014 to $204 in 2025, prompting ongoing debates regarding legislative measures aimed at reducing costs.