Pipeline Politics — And, Economics

America’s hydraulic fracturing boom created a need for more ways to transport oil and natural gas around the country. But as the need for more energy infrastructure has increased, so has local opposition. While most are familiar with the battles surrounding the Keystone and Dakota Access pipelines, there is opposition to new projects in many states. This winter, New England received natural gas from a Russian tanker as interests in the region continue to oppose a pipeline to bring abundant natural gas from Pennsylvania up north. What is driving opposition to pipelines? How has the business of transporting fuel changed as the U.S. oil and gas industry shifted from a handful of hubs to shale plays dotting the country? And, what factors could cause shippers to change their calculus as they decide whether to transport by pipeline or rail? ‘Off the Charts’ host Jeff McMahon talks with Allen Fore from the pipeline company Kinder Morgan, along with EPIC’s Ryan Kellogg and Thomas Covert.