Lesser Hails Power Plant Safety Law Signing

From the office of State Representative Matt Lesser.

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State Representative Matt Lesser (D-Durham/Middlefield/Middletown) joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy at the State Capitol today for a signing of a new law improving safety at power plants in Connecticut.

Lesser, a member of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, noted the law incorporates recommendations of the Thomas Commission, which was formed in the aftermath of last year’s explosion at the Kleen Energy construction site in Middletown.

"We can never repair the damage done by the Kleen explosion a year ago. I hope that this new law will bring some comfort to the survivors and the families of the victims, who will know that we will never see this disaster repeated. We owe this to them and the people of Middletown," said Lesser.

Under the law, the use of flammable gases to conduct “gas blows” at power plants is banned. Gas blows, which use highly pressurized natural gas to clean pipes of debris, were found to have caused the Kleen Energy explosion. The new law sets a fine of up to $100,000 and up to two years in prison for violations.

As part of the license requirements of all future power plants, new electricity plants will be required to pay for special inspectors to assist local fire marshals in reviewing building plans and conducting inspections of the sites. The law also requires the Connecticut Siting Council to consult with the Departments of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and other agencies before approving any plans.