In response to a new Department of Public Utilities proposal that would end cost-sharing for new natural gas hookups, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy issued the following statement:

“Maura Healey’s Department of Public Utilities is once again targeting the natural gas industry in Massachusetts — despite the fact that we currently have no feasible alternatives to meet our state’s energy needs. This move will do nothing to advance our energy reliability, and will only serve to drastically increase costs for new customers.

Furthermore, this is yet another example of Healey’s climate agenda hurting the broader economy. Anyone with common sense — or experience in housing or commercial development — knows it is already extremely costly to build in Massachusetts. Adding yet another layer of expense will undoubtedly inhibit housing production, drive up costs for future homeowners, renters, and the business community, and make our housing crisis even worse.

Once again, the Healey Administration is putting its climate agenda ahead of affordability, energy security, and the needs of Massachusetts citizens.”

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