Energy Projects Center Stage in Massachussets Governor's Race

Abstract

[Kerry Healy] caught flak for calling AES' Outer Brewster Island LNG the "least objectionable" of the proposed LNG projects in Massachusetts. The project is two miles off the coast of Hull, in the Boston Harbor. Patrick, Independent candidate Christy Mihos and Green- Rainbow party candidate Grace Ross have all stated their objections to citing an LNG facility in Boston Harbor.

Energy projects across the nation have become politically charged, but few have drawn fire like the proposed Weaver's Cove LNG terminal in Fall River. But even the state's premier wind energy proposal isn't unscathed in this political season.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick has called all the proposed LNG plans in Massachusetts "flawed," but has relented that LNG is a current component of energy strategies. On the issue of alternative energy, he is the only gubernatorial candidate who has thrown his support for the controversial Cape Wind project, which would put 130 wind turbines over a 24-square mile area in Nantucket Sound.

Polls show that Patrick has a firm lead in Tuesday election. He won the Democratic primary hands down, snagging 50% of the vote.

Republican front-runner and current lieutenant governor Kerry Healy has said that she would veto the Cape Wind project if given the authority and has sided with current Gov. Mitt Romney over thwarting the Weaver's Cover project in Fall River.

Healy caught flak for calling AES' Outer Brewster Island LNG the "least objectionable" of the proposed LNG projects in Massachusetts. The project is two miles off the coast of Hull, in the Boston Harbor. Patrick, Independent candidate Christy Mihos and Green- Rainbow party candidate Grace Ross have all stated their objections to citing an LNG facility in Boston Harbor.

On Friday, the four gubernatorial candidates were to participate in a 90-minute debate sponsored by the Southcoast Alliance, a group of local business organizations and civic groups from the Fall River area. The forum was to focus on issues important to the Southcoast region, particularly the Weaver's Cove facility.