Governor LePage Requests House Members Support Natural Gas Expansion

AUGUSTA, Maine – As part of his ongoing efforts to lower the cost of electricity and heating costs for Mainers, Governor Paul R. LePage has written Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and Congressman Michael Michaud requesting that they support expediting natural gas projects in New England. The Governor asks that they reconsider their opposition to H.R. 1900, “The Natural Gas Permitting Reform Act.”

The legislation, which Reps. Pingree and Michaud opposed, would expedite the federal regulatory review of natural gas projects, an energy source that would lower the cost of heat and electricity for Mainers.

“New England is in an energy crisis, and we desperately need additional natural gas to power our businesses and keep electric bills down for households,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Liberals in Boston oppose natural gas infrastructure, but the rest of New England understands how critical natural gas is for our economy. Congressman Michaud and Congresswoman Pingree have sided with their liberal allies in Boston to oppose expediting natural gas projects through Massachusetts and to our state. They are leaving Mainers in the cold.”

Last November, the House overwhelmingly passed the legislation in a vote of 252-165, with all