Explosion at National Grid's LNG Facility
Take action to end dangerous fossil fuels in our communities!
Update on Our Progress Closing National Grid's LNG Facility
Last week, we learned that on August 17, 2022, there was an explosion at National Grid’s Greenpoint liquefied “natural” gas (LNG) facility that caused a supervisor, who was dangerously close to the explosion, to lose consciousness and sustain minor injuries upon falling to the ground. Between 2019 and 2023, Sane Energy was an active participant in a proceeding calling for the shutdown of the North Brooklyn fracked gas pipeline and the LNG facility at the “head of the black snake.” We filed two lawsuits against the expansion of this facility, and YOU helped us file over 10,000 public comments protesting New Yorkers being forced to fund the expansion of this toxic facility via our monthly utility bills.
So why were we never notified about the explosion? And why was there no press coverage of this incident?
We're deeply concerned that National Grid and the Public Service Commission (PSC) have kept this dangerous explosion hidden from the public. The $1.7 million fine imposed on shareholders doesn't address the risks our community faces. As customers, we've already been hit with a rate hike for safety improvements, yet safety issues persist.
National Grid’s methane flare, LNG facility, Greenpoint, Brooklyn Photo by: Mitch Waxman
We demand that the PSC require National Grid to make serious investments in alternative energy sources like district geothermal and thermal energy networks which will ensure safety and promote sustainability. The PSC is meant to safeguard the interests of consumers and protect them from the abuses of monopoly corporations like National Grid. It is crucial that they fulfill their mandate and hold these companies accountable for their actions.
Sane Energy Project’s Director Kim Fraczek wrote a letter to the Public Service Commission demanding they address the situation.
“The explosion, which led to injuries and the evacuation of the entire facility, highlights the urgent need to address the hazards associated with aging gas infrastructure. It is crucial to note that National Grid has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of transparency and accountability in its operations. This incident further underscores the need for an expedited phaseout of fossil fuel facilities and transition to cleaner, safer energy solutions.”
Let the Public Service Commission know that YOU are paying attention. DEMAND that state regulators at the Public Service Commission do their job and require National Grid to retire the LNG depot by leaving a comment.
New York Renews!
Yesterday, Kim and Hennessy from Sane Energy Project joined New York Renews’ statewide Fund Climate mobilization. The Fund Climate Campaign calls for facing the crises of our time head-on, putting money behind community-led climate justice solutions, increasing energy affordability, and repairing dangerous housing conditions. Establishing a Community Directed Grant program would create opportunities for local organizations, unions, and municipal governments to develop clean energy projects for their communities.
NY Energy Democracy Alliance!
Last week, we joined our grassroots allies from across New York State at the Energy Democracy Alliance (EDA) retreat to coordinate our efforts. Join a Teach-in Call at noon on January 29 to learn how the GAP Fund (a key priority for the EDA) can help you cover your home repairs and switch to renewable energy.
Panelists include: Assemblywoman Anna Kelles, the lead sponsor of this crucial legislation, Jasmine Graham, Executive Director of Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, Avni Pravin, Deputy Director at the Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE), and Matt Dennis, Senior Energy Advisor at Halco Energy.
Climate and housing justice intersect with the Green Affordable Pre-Electrification, (GAP) Fund bill, initiated by the Energy Democracy Alliance, which would provide financial support for energy-burdened New Yorkers who are currently ineligible for energy efficiency programs because of pre-existing home conditions like lead, mold, and asbestos. The GAP Fund bill will set aside $200 million for necessary upgrades while protecting tenants from displacement due to building improvements. This initiative complements the Fund Climate Campaign (see above) .
We have the solutions to usher in an affordable, sensible transition to renewable energy that could eliminate the dangers posed by fossil fuel infrastructure. A PSC that does its job and a robust GAP Fund would go a long way towards making our communities safer and energy more affordable. Thank you for getting involved and doing what needs to be done for our future.
With love,
Kim, Michael, Jeanne, Elliot, JK, Hennessy, and Claire!
