Climate groups called on Governor McKee to deny all future pipeline permits

“Rhode Islanders know too well the harms brought about by fossil fuel corporations like Enbridge. That is why we will continue to take action to stop all Project Maple permits from moving forward.”

Today, a group of Rhode Island’s climate justice organizations rallied at the Rhode Island State House in opposition to Enbridge’s proposed Project Maple fracked-gas pipeline expansion. The groups hand-delivered a letter addressed to Governor Daniel McKee’s office and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Eleven State Representatives and three State Senators signed on opposing the project. The petition signers and community members at the rally demanded the denial of all future Project Maple permits.

Project Maple is a state-crossing gas expansion project proposed by Enbridge, owner of the interstate “Algonquin” gas pipelines. If approved, emissions from Project Maple are estimated to equal seven coal plants, threatening to erase all of Rhode Island’s emission-reduction progress. 

The letter reads:

“We, the undersigned elected and appointed officials, urge you to stop the expansion of fracked-gas infrastructure in Rhode Island. The transportation and burning of fracked-gas emits dangerous toxins that already impact the health and safety of Rhode Island residents, and burning fracked-gas is responsible for a huge portion of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions. In the era of climate change, it is imperative that we rapidly shut down fossil fuel infrastructure, not expand it.

“Enbridge, a Canadian fossil fuel corporation, has announced plans for a massive expansion to the “Algonquin” pipeline system that extends across the Northeast, and through Rhode Island. Details of the expansion, dubbed “Project Maple” are scarce, but it will likely include expanding the fracked-gas compressor station in Burrillville. For years local residents have raised concerns about the pollution and noise coming from the compressor station in Burrillville, which burns gas in order to create pressure along the pipeline route. The facility has also been the site of sustained protests and controversy. From 2014-2015 there were several protests against a previous expansion to the compressor station. Then in 2015 Invenergy proposed building a massive power plant immediately adjacent to the compressor station - the project was scrapped in 2017 after years of Statewide advocacy.

“Enbridge has already commenced construction on another pipeline expansion - a project that should have all Rhode Islanders concerned. The company wants to double the size of its pipeline that stretches under the Sakonnet River from Little Compton to Portsmouth. This major expansion would involve using the Horizontal Directional Drilling process to bore under the Sakonnet River. According to Enbridge, work on the project would take seven months, with work happening six days a week for 12-24 hours a day. Enbridge says that there is not a need for additional gas capacity on Aquidneck Island, and that the expansion is only for maintenance - but they have failed to pursue other less destructive maintenance solutions that would not involve expanding the pipeline.

“The expansion of fracked-gas infrastructure is also incompatible with Rhode Island’s emission reduction goals. The 2021 Act on Climate, signed by Governor Mckee, calls on the State to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 1990 levels by 2040, and to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Then in 2022, the General Assembly enacted a Renewable Energy Standard of 100% by 2033.

“We urge you to protect Rhode Island communities, and the health and safety of all residents by publicly opposing Project Maple and the Sakonnet River Pipeline project, and directly your agencies to reject all permits for both projects.”

The General Assembly members who signed onto the letter include Representatives David Morales, Susan Donovan, Lauren Carson, Arthur Handy, Brandon Potter, David Bennett, Cherie Cruz, Teresa Tanzi, Jennifer Stewart, Jennifer Boylan, and Enrique Sanchez; and Senators Samuel Bell, Meghan Kallman, and Samuel Zurier.

Despite intense local opposition, construction has already begun on an initial phase of the project, which will double the pipeline’s size from the east side of the Sakonnet River—in the town of Little Compton—to the west side of the River—in the town of Portsmouth. Earlier this month, during work on the Sakonnet River pipeline replacement, toxic drilling fluid leaked into a wetland in Portsmouth. 

Rhode Island has been at the forefront of the movement to stop pipeline expansions for the past ten years. The town of Burrillville, notably, has fiercely resisted previous pipeline expansion proposals. A massive statewide movement arose in 2015 following the proposal of a large power plant along the pipeline’s route. This movement continues today, as groups across the State are ready to oppose Project Maple.

You can watch the video here:

After today’s rally, participating groups released the following statements:

“Rhode Islanders know too well the harms brought about by fossil fuel corporations like Enbridge,” said Nick Katkevich, Sierra Club Northeast Field Organizer. “That is why we will continue to take action to stop all Project Maple permits from moving forward.”

“Climate Action RI has been at the forefront of the fight to address the impacts of fossil fuels and prevent further aggravation from such by helping to pass the Act on Climate legislation, the election of climate-friendly candidates to the RI general assembly, supporting the transition to renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind, and ending the funding for new fossil fuel development and expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure projects, such as Project Maple, and will continue to do so going forward until a sustainable and just transition has been achieved and we meet the goals of the Act on Climate legislation. Allowing the expansion under Project Maple would be a setback for the goals the RI has set for itself under the Act on Climate legislation,” said David Brunetti of Climate Action RI.

Members of Sunrise Rhode Island also attended the event.