“Methane is a major contributor to global warming, and it’s the main component of natural gas, which means it’s likely to play a big role in New England’s energy future,” says this February 29 piece on WBUR. “And we have leaks here too, and those leaks have consequences…. it’s called death by a thousand cuts — every leak takes its toll.”
WBUR took a ride down Route 9 with pipeline safety expert Bob Ackley and mapped gas leaks along the route. Spikes on the map showed methane from escaping gas well above the normal background level.
BU researcher Nathan Phillips, also interviewed for the article, estimated that methane accounts for 10 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions — more than Massachusetts industries.
After several years on this topic, BCAN is very pleased that that the leaks are getting air time, finally!! The Gas Leaks Allies group asks everyone to please call your State Sen. and Reps and ask them to urge the TU&E committee to get the bills 2870 and 2871 out of joint committee and on the floor for a vote and then to vote YES! Now, let’s link the end of leaks to the end of pipeline building and move on to renewables.