Sanders opposes natural gas pipeline

US Senator Bernie Sanders is the first presidential candidate to take a stance on the Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipeline.

The NED pipeline, operated by Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (TGP) – a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan – intends to meet increased demand for natural gas, reduce energy costs, and create jobs. The high-pressure pipeline would carry fracked natural gas from shale gas fields in Pennsylvania through New York, parts of northern Massachusetts and into southern New Hampshire, before being transported to a distribution hub in eastern Massachusetts. The route is expected to cross approximately 70 miles of southern New Hampshire.

Sanders’ stance

At the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner – which took place on Sunday 29 November – Sanders expressed his opposition of the NED pipeline project.

He stated: "I opposed the Keystone Pipeline from day one. And that is why –here in New Hampshire – I believe the NED pipeline that would direct fracked natural gas for 400 miles, through 17 communities, is a bad idea and should be opposed."

He also explained that the pipeline would damage the environment, posing more challenges to climate change.

The review

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is currently reviewing TGP/Kinder Morgan’s proposal of the NED pipeline.

TGP filed a certificate application under Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act with the FERC for its proposed pipeline project.

The company says they hope to begin construction in early 2017.

Sources: The Telegraph, New Hampshire Public Radio, Washington Examiner, Eagle Ford Texas

Edited from various sources by Stephanie Roker

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/02122015/sanders-opposes-natural-gas-pipeline/