On June 29th, Spectra’s representatives began reaching out to towns impacted by their Access Northeast project. The email read “Algonquin is moving ahead to withdraw the Access Northeast Project from the FERC’s Pre-filing review process.”

Groups part of Mass Power Forward reacted:

“And another one bites the dust,” said Claire Miller from Community Action Works, “for three years the gas industry has been pushing their pipelines, but we know better. Nearly 3 billion in stranded costs for new pipelines is not the right choice for Massachusetts. Governor Baker needs to keep us on track for climate commitments like Paris, and stop new pipelines. Governor Baker needs to say no to the Weymouth project next.”

Claire Miller, Community Action Works 781-775-1429 claire@communityactionworks.org

“New England’s consistent support for clean energy has apparently resulted in the death of yet another unnecessary, polluting gas pipeline project,” said Joel Wool of Clean Water Action. “The bottom line is that Massachusetts does not and will not subsidize interstate fracked gas pipelines at ratepayers’ expense––and we’ll fight every attempt to do so tooth and nail.”

Joel Wool, 978-697-0361, jwool@cleanwater.org

“Ever since the SJC held that financing by electric utilities and their ratepayers would violate state law, this project has been running on fumes,” said Kathryn Eiseman, president of the Pipe Line Awareness Network for the Northeast.  “Now, as with Kinder Morgan, it’s back to the drawing board in Houston.  We’ll keep watching as they try to cobble together a new plan.” eiseman@plan-ne.org, 413-320-0747

“Since Kinder Morgan started knocking on landowner doors in the winter of 2014, we have seen the power of grassroots organizing. Spectra and Kinder Morgan’s arrogance and disrespect for our lives and our public & private lands seemed to know no bounds. I’m proud to have joined with my neighbors in the Commonwealth to defeat another irresponsible and environmentally destructive project. The future is in clean renewable energy. We must all keep up the fight to keep the remaining fossil fuels in the ground.” Cathy Kristofferson, StopNED, 978.204.3940

“Over the last three years, we have seen a truly incredible wave of grassroots resistance to new fossil fuel pipelines in Massachusetts. Thousands of concerned citizens have called and emailed their legislators, submitted public comments, packed into public hearings, and taken to the streets for massive rallies and multi-day marches. Spectra recognized that their deep pockets were no match for grassroots power. It’s only a matter of time before other fossil fuel companies come to the same realization. We look forward to Spectra similarly abandoning their plans for the similarly offensive and unnecessary Atlantic Bridge project.”

Craig Altemose, Executive Director for 350 Massachusetts for a Better Future,  201-841-7105 craig@betterfutureproject.org

“We are immensely relieved and elated to hear this news, but South Coast Neighbors United remains committed to stopping ALL unnecessary fossil fuels projects in the Commonwealth. The time to transition to renewable, clean energy is now and it is up to the citizens to hold our leaders accountable for doing so. You cannot be a leader in combatting climate change while pushing for dirty energy expansion. We must act as though our health, safety and future depend on it, because they do. This is a small battle won, for which we are thankful, but the war against fossil fuels continues. Access Northeast may be done for now, but SCNU is NOT.”

Wendy Graca, Co-Founder & Secretary – South Coast Neighbors United – Impacted towns by the project –508-763-8338

Mass Power Forward is a statewide network of 150 environmental leaders, community development organizations, clean energy businesses, faith groups, neighborhood health and safety advocates and Massachusetts families fighting for our future. We believe our state and region can power forward with clean, affordable, reliable energy and a thriving economy. We have no other choice. www.masspowerforward.com