PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • March 5, 2021
Less than a month ago, Summit Natural Gas of Maine announced plans for a $90 million pipeline expansion in the Belfast area. The expansion could cut carbon emissions by an estimated 263,000 metric tons over the first five years. However, Summit withdrew the plan this week after the company encountered opposition from environmental activists and community members dedicated to bringing more renewable energy to the region, not just cleaner fossil fuels. That’s a noble goal. But it’s unclear if it’s the right one. It is similar to the fight over New England Clean Energy Connect, which has split environmentalists. Does Maine try to steadily improve, cutting emissions here and there as it can, or does it hold out for more transformational change?