Public participation is an important part of protecting wildlife, communities, and the natural world that sustains us all. Public comments help agencies understand how proposed projects, policies, and regulations may affect people and the environment.
Below are current opportunities to submit comments on projects and proposals affecting Massachusetts communities and ecosystems.
Not sure where to start? These resources can help.
Public Participation Resources
Take Action: Current Comment Opportunities
Last updated: August 25, 2026
Constitution Pipeline
What is this project?
The Constitution Pipeline is a proposed 124-mile interstate natural gas pipeline that would transport gas from northeastern Pennsylvania to Schoharie County, New York. The project would connect with existing interstate pipeline systems that serve New England.
FERC has issued an Environmental Assessment for the Constitution Pipeline and related Wright Interconnect Project. The Environmental Assessment is now open for public comment. Comments can address FERC’s analysis of the projects’ potential environmental impacts and whether additional analysis or mitigation should be required.
- FERC Environmental Assessment Comments
- Agency: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- Docket: CP13-499-006 and CP18-5-004
- Deadline: September 21, 2026
- View the Environmental Assessment
- BEAT Comment Guide
- For more information about the project and its current status, visit BEAT’s Gas Pipelines & Fossil Fuel Infrastructure page
National Transmission Needs Study
What is this study?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released its draft 2026 National Transmission Needs Study, which identifies areas where expanded or upgraded electric transmission may be needed. Of particular concern for the Berkshires, the draft identifies the connection between the New York and New England grids as an area with high potential transmission congestion value. The study could also inform future federal transmission planning, including potential National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor designations.
In 2024, DOE considered a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor along the existing transmission corridor from Stephentown, New York, to Northfield, Massachusetts. That proposal was put on hold following public and stakeholder comments, including comments from BEAT. BEAT’s new Comment Guide explains the 2026 study and issues residents may want to raise, including prioritizing upgrades to existing transmission corridors, energy efficiency and storage before clearing land for new transmission lines, and carefully reviewing impacts to forests, wetlands, wildlife, agriculture, and the regional economy.
- Open Comment Opportunity
- Agency: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Study: 2026 National Transmission Needs Study
- Deadline: September 7, 2026, at 5 PM ET
- View BEAT’s Comment Guide
- DOE National Transmission Needs Study & Comment Information
Recently closed comment periods:
FERC Proposed Changes to Blanket Permitting Rules
What is this proposal?
FERC is proposing changes to its “blanket certificate” rules for natural gas infrastructure projects. Blanket certificates allow certain projects to move through a streamlined approval process. The proposed rule changes would significantly increase the size of projects eligible for this streamlined process and would allow compressor stations, pipeline loops, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities to qualify for blanket authorization for the first time.
- Open Comment Opportunity
- Agency: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- Docket: RM25-12-01
- Deadline: July 27, 2026
- BEAT’s Comment
- View BEAT Comment Guide
Algonquin Gas Transmission Enhancement (AGTE / R.A.R.E.)
What is this project?
Algonquin Gas Transmission (AGT) has proposed the Algonquin Gas Transmission Enhancement project, also known as Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement (R.A.R.E.). The proposal would expand portions of the existing gas transmission system at several locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The project includes pipeline upgrades and improvements at compressor facilities.
Massachusetts MEPA Environmental Notification Form. MEPA comments help identify potential environmental impacts that should be evaluated before state permits are issued.
FERC Scoping Comments. Comments submitted during the pre-filing process help determine the issues FERC will analyze during its environmental review.
Cape Cod Canal Pipeline Relocation Project
What is this project?
Algonquin proposes to remove existing bridge-mounted National Grid gas pipelines crossing the Cape Cod Canal and replace them with larger, higher-pressure pipeline infrastructure installed beneath the canal. BEAT has expressed concerns that the project would increase gas transmission capacity at a time when Massachusetts law requires substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and a transition away from fossil fuels.
FERC Environmental Assessment Comments