Carpino Hails Power Plant Safety Bill

HARTFORD — State Representative Christie Carpino today welcomed the governor’s approval of legislation she co-sponsored that incorporates measures recommended by the Thomas Commission to improve safety at power plants in Connecticut. Carpino was at the Capitol to watch Gov. Dannel Malloy sign H.B. 5802 which incorporates recommendations of the Thomas Commission, including banning the use of flammable gases to conduct “gas blows” at power plants. The Thomas Commission was formed in the aftermath of last year’s explosion at the Kleen Energy construction site in Middletown.

“This bill adopting the recommendations of the Thomas Commission will go a long way in ensuring public safety in the construction and operation of natural gas energy plants,” Carpino said.

Gas blows, which use highly pressurized natural gas to clean pipes of debris, were found to have caused the Kleen Energy explosion. The legislation 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, 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.

“With establishing a ban on ‘blowing’ the gas lines to clear them, greater levels of inspection, and increased transparency and public input in the procedure of locating these plants, we can help make certain a tragedy like the one last year at the Kleen Energy Plant isn’t repeated.”