US Senate committee will hold hearing on gas disaster

LAWRENCE — U.S. senators will hold a hearing in Lawrence to review the response to the September natural gas explosions that rocked Merrimack Valley communities.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold its oversight hearing at the South Lawrence East Middle School on Nov. 26.

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.

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.

"I just know this is the first step in many steps for the federal legislature to hold Columbia Gas and all those responsible accountable for what happened," Rivera said. "I think this is an important part of this process. The federal U.S. Senate has a role to play and I'm anxious to get some stuff out ... I think a lot of people have some stuff on their chest they have to get off their chest."

Rivera added that he does not anticipate the hearing will hinder the restoration effort, which he said has begun to pick up speed.

As for what Rivera anticipates will come from the federal hearing, he said it's too soon to say, but "any legislation that ensures this doesn't happen again, any fines or sanctions – all those things are welcome."

The Associated Press and staff writer Kiera Blessing contributed to this report.

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