Spreading Energy Moratoria Threaten Mass Competitiveness
To the Editor,
This past winter we watched as communities across Massachusetts heard from their utility that there wouldn’t be any new natural gas hookups due to pipeline constraints.
That may not sound like a huge deal to some. But for the 400+ businesses we represent, from virtually all industries in 16 communities, the threat of a natural gas moratorium is a very big deal indeed. No new natural gas means the cost of opening a new storefront or satellite office just went up.
It’s not as if high energy costs weren’t already a problem. Long before energy moratoria started sweeping across the state, our natural gas shortage left businesses and consumers paying an additional $1 billion or more in costs.
Massachusetts’ competitiveness relies on a clean and affordable supply of energy that’s reliable 365 days a year. We need action now.
Sincerely,
Jack Lank, President/ CEO
United Regional Chamber of Commerce
