State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham, Middlefield and Middletown), a member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, testified in favor of legislation (HB 5802) he helped author to incorporate measures recommended by the Thomas Commission to improve safety at power plants in Connecticut.
The legislation has been cosponsored by the entire Middletown delegation.
The bill enacts recommendations from the Thomas Commission, which was formed in the aftermath of last year’s explosion at the Kleen Energy construction site in Middletown. Six people were killed and more than 30 people were injured in the explosion.
“It is clear from the investigations following last year’s accident that the disaster could have been avoided,” Lesser told the state legislature’s Public Safety Committee. “This bill will put into place the Thomas Commission’s recommendations and truly improve worker safety. I urge you to vote this bill out of committee as soon as possible.”
The legislation would ban the use of flammable gases to conduct "gas blows” at power plants. Gas blows, which use highly pressurized natural gas to clean pipes of debris, were found to have caused the Kleen Energy explosion.
As part of the license requirements of all future power plants, the legislation requires new electricity plants to pay for special inspectors to assist local fire marshals in reviewing building plans and conducting inspections of the sites. The bill also requires the Connecticut Siting Council to consult with the Departments of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and other agencies before approving any plans.
The bill will face a committee vote in the Public Safety Committee in the coming weeks and if approved make its way to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
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