Public Facilities Committee Meeting Discussion on National Grid Grants of Location – Postponed

Posted on November 4, 2024 by Green Newton

Please note, that the discussion of the National Grid Grants of Location will no longer be discussed at tonight’s Public Facilities Meeting.  That discussion has been rescheduled for December 4th.

Gas is not safe, not clean, not green.

The Massachusetts legislature is about to pass the statutory authority necessary to start the transition off gas to efficient, clean heat. The new law will include gas system reforms and other updates of climate policy for the consumer protections and emissions reduction necessary to meet Massachusetts’ climate goals.

National Grid is requesting a fifth Grant of Location (GOL) for a gas pipeline replacement project in Newton, in addition to the four that the city councilors voted to “hold” on October 23. National Grid’s plans would lock us into paying for gas long after the gas system is obsolete. (Click here to find a list of Newton streets that will be most impacted.)

At the December 4th meeting, National Grid will respond to the City Council’s questions about the Grants of Locations, listed on page 14 of official report from the Public Facilities Committee October 23 meeting.

Please attend the December 4th meeting to testify against investing in additional gas infrastructure.

Let us know if you have questions about the meeting, the issue or testifying!

Resources:

“…Gas companies are spending a billion dollars statewide every year installing new gas pipes to replace leak-prone gas pipes. These new pipes will last 100 years, take 60 years to be paid off by ratepayers, but most won’t be used after 2050 because over 80% of buildings will use only electricity. This is like ‘taking a giant mortgage out on a horse stable while your electric car is on order.'”

–Audrey Schulman, Executive Director at  HEETlabs, speaking at a State House briefing