Though state legislators can't reform the Jones Act, they can expand their restrictive approach to natural gas infrastructure.

"We can't ignore this," Energy and Environment Secretary Matthew Beaton told the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.

Region’s power grid operator concerned about emissions limitations

Efforts by some environmental activists to block natural gas infrastructure have had the opposite of their intended effect.

Weather put a spotlight on efforts to maintain reliable energy supplies while addressing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels.

Energy demands during the recent arctic weather have placed major pressures on energy generators, forcing power companies to rely more on coal and oil to produce electricity.

“Customers are going to see higher prices because they’re consuming so much energy."