City Councilor Susan Albright Pushes Back on New Gas Infrastructure in Newton
When Susan Albright, Chair of Newton’s Public Facilities Committee, saw National Grid’s request to install a new gas pipeline to a mixed-use development, she was stunned. “Here we are trying to get rid of pipe, and here’s some new pipe that they’re asking for,” she recalled. But rather than rubber-stamp the approval, Albright sprang into action—reviewing the development plans, contacting the project lead, and urging them to consider all-electric options for the commercial space.
Her outreach helped delay a vote on the pipeline and opened the door for potential alternatives that align with Newton’s Climate Action Plan. “We will review that grant of location at our meeting on July 28,” she said, “and hopefully he will withdraw it.”
Albright’s proactive stance is part of a growing strategy among Newton officials and activists, scrutinizing each gas infrastructure request and pushing for electrification wherever possible. Her leadership shows how local officials can play a vital role in shaping a cleaner energy future.
Read the full article by Emily Pontecorvo on the Heatmap website, “How Newton, Massachusetts Got National Grid to Bend on Electrification.”
(The article is behind a pay wall, but if you register, the first article is free.)