Press Releases

Trahan Statement on Federal Criminal Charges Against Columbia Gas of Massachusetts for Merrimack Valley Pipeline Disaster

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) released this statement after Columbia Gas of Massachusetts pleaded guilty to violating the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act.

“Today’s guilty plea by Columbia Gas confirms what we knew all along - that the tragic gas explosions from 2018 were both avoidable and the result of a careless abandonment of safety standards and practices. While nothing that follows will erase the pain felt by these communities, the news that Columbia Gas will be sold will help our region heal and return to a sense of normalcy. I remain steadfast in my support for every family and business that was harmed by this disaster and will be by their side until every last claim is resolved. I will also continue my fight in Washington to advance the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act which will help ensure that no other community ever experiences what Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover did,” said Congresswoman Trahan.  

More information about the Leonel Rondon Pipeline Safety Act

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