No more Kinder Morgan pipeline

On Wednesday, April 20 Kinder Morgan announced it was suspending the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline through southern New Hampshire.

Kinder Morgan said too few natural gas shippers and buyers agreed to purchase space on the pipeline.

The pipeline also faced public opposition due to the potential negative impacts on the environment and property values.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte was one of the first elected officials to praise the announcement. 

“I was the first statewide elected official to oppose the pipeline moving forward because of the many unanswered questions and concerns raised by New Hampshire residents who would have been affected by this project, so I am pleased by today’s announcement,” she said. 

Gov. Maggie Hassan has not yet released a statement on Kinder Morgan’s decision.

Not everyone is happy with Kinder Morgan’s decision.  The New Hampshire Business and Industry Association (BIA) generally supports more natural gas pipelines in New England.  They argue the high demand for natural gas is driving up New Hampshire’s electricity prices.

According to an August 2015 report from the BIA, “failure   to   expand   pipeline   infrastructure   will   lead   to approximately $770 million in additional energy costs to the region from 2016 to 2020.”

What is your opinion on Kinder Morgan’s decision to suspend the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline?  Share your opinion in the comments.