Senate committee's gas disaster hearing is Monday

LAWRENCE — Two months after explosions and fires rocked the Merrimack Valley in September, U.S. senators will hold a hearing in Lawrence to review the response in the wake of the natural gas disaster.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold its oversight hearing at the South Lawrence East Middle School from 9 a.m.  to 3 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 26. The hearing will be in the gymnasium of the South Lawrence East Middle School, 165 Crawford St., Lawrence.

Members of the state’s congressional delegation are expected to participate, including Democratic Sen. Ed Markey, who is a committee member, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Reps. Niki Tsongas and Seth Moulton, all Democrats, will also participate.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., is a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and will also participate.

Executives from utility company Columbia Gas, state and local officials, and the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to testify at the hearing.

Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera said he plans to attend the hearing and is looking forward to beginning the process to hold Columbia Gas accountable for the Sept. 13 disaster.

Markey is soliciting personal stories from some of the thousands of residents affected by the disaster to share at the hearing. 

For more information on how to share your story, visit https://www.markey.senate.gov/merrimack-valley-gas-explosions-share-your-story.

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