FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2014
House Approves Bill to Ensure Effective
Management and Expansion of Natural Gas
Legislation
will improve public safety and environmental welfare, reduce energy costs
(BOSTON) – State Representative Thomas Golden joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts
House of Representatives in unanimously approving a public safety bill that
will improve the state’s ability to anticipate, repair, and guard against
natural gas leaks.
The bill will also extend
potential savings to municipalities, businesses, and households by expanding natural
gas services to new consumers. Businesses will be able to offer financing
programs to these new consumers.
Further, the bill will
accelerate the replacement of aging pipelines by creating an infrastructure
replacement program. It will also establish uniform classification standards
for natural gas leaks. These standards have corresponding requirements and
timelines for repair, surveillance, or reevaluation.
“As legislators it
is our responsibility to ensure Massachusetts’ citizens are safe in their
homes, schools and greater communities,” House
Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) said. “This bill brings us one step closer
to that goal, while also helping the environment and generating cost savings for
our residents and businesses.”
“This bill will
really improve the energy infrastructure in our Commonwealth,” said State Rep. Thomas Golden. “It paves the way for natural gas to be cheaper,
safer, and more accessible.”
Greenhouse emissions
will be reduced, as an estimated 5,600 leak-prone pipes in Massachusetts are
repaired.
The legislation will
also:
·
Require
gas companies to coordinate surveys, replacements and repairs with
municipalities and state paving organizations
·
Mandate
gas companies to report location, classification and date of leak to DPU
- Authorize DPU to establish a minimum winter patrol standard for cast-iron pipelines
The bill now moves
to the Senate.
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