A Climate Hawk’s Companion-The Risks of Gas Leaks

In this edition, we discuss the risks and implications of natural gas leaks from the aging pipeline infrastructure that lies under our streets and connects to our homes. This is a topic that spans the full range of issues from global warming (natural gas traps much more heat than CO2) to how safe you are in your home (leaks can cause explosions!)

 

[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/138972126" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]

 

To learn more about this topic we are joined by Joel Wool, Clean Energy Campaign Organizer at Clean Water Action. A native of the Bay State and graduate of Boston's Emerson College, Joel joined Clean Water Action in 2011 to support work on clean energy. He now serves as a campaign organizer focusing on energy efficiency, natural gas infrastructure and coal phase-out.

 

For background, here is a video from a Boston TV station. It describes the tiny “level 3” leaks that could be left unattended for years and for which the ratepayers bear the cost. There is more information in this blog post. Fortunately, there is a bill working its way through the Massachusetts Statehouse that would begin to address these issues. Joel has some advice about what you can do, including to go here to add your voice.

 

Because we recognize the necessity of personal accountability for our actions, because we accept responsibility for building a durable future and because we believe it is our patriotic duty as citizens to speak out, we must insist that  the US put a price on carbon.

…Ted McIntyre