Legislation that would ban the use of flammable gas to clean piping at natural gas-fired power plants unanimously passed the Connecticut House of Representatives on Thursday, The Associated Press reports.
The state bill, approved 144-0, attempts to address safety issues that came to light following the 2010 explosion at Kleen Energy in Middletown that killed six men.
“This is a step in the right direction to ensure this doesn’t occur in anyone’s district,” said Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell, whose district includes Middletown.
Much of the bill codifies recommendations of a commission created last year by former Gov. M. Jodi Rell. The legislation would put into state law an executive order signed by Rell that banned gas blows, a practice that was under way when the massive explosion occurred at the 620-megawatt plant.
The bill also requires power plant developers to provide at least one special inspector to help local fire marshals inspect such facilities and to pay a fee to help train local fire marshals in power plant construction issues.
Violators of the law face a fine of $100,000 and up to two years in prison.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further action.
