The investigation into the Massachussetts gas explosions is ongoing. But opponents of this energy source are energized, and supporters are on the defense. We look at what the Bay State disaster says about existing regional infrastructure, and how it might affect current pipeline proposals.
GUESTS:
- Melissa Birchard - Staff attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation.
- Bruce Gellerman - Senior correspondentcovering science, business, technology, and the environment for WBUR..
- Steve Leahy - Vice President, Policy & Analysis for the Northeast Gas Association.
Related Reading.
The Concord Monitor reportsthat although leaks are common, gas disasters are rare in N.H.
New Hampshire's Public Utilities Commission oversees natural-gas utilities and in 1990 ordered an accelerated program of replacing leak-prone pipes.
Several pipeline projects have faced stiff opposition in New Hampshire; the Granite Bridge project, now in the early stages, has strong bipartisan supportamong lawmakers but also oppostionamong several groups that fought earlier proposals.
The Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire calls access to natural gas service a critical factor for New Hampshire’s economy.
The Massachusetts natural gas explosions present a new test for the industry's efforts in the Bay State.
Some worry the Massachuestts pipeline disaster will exacerbate an energy shortage.
Recent findingssuggest pressure systems may have contributed to the Massachusetts explosions but the investigation is expected to continue for some time.
