Resolution - Gas Leaks — File 203977

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE BILL 2683/SENATE BILL 1845 An Act Relative to Protecting Consumers of Gas and Electricity from paying for Leaked and Unaccounted for Gas WHEREAS: Massachusetts House Bill 2683/Senate Bill 1845 seeks to protect all gas and electricity customers, whether businesses, manufacturers, homeowners, or municipalities from paying for unaccounted for gas (UFG) by prohibiting providers from including the cost of UFG, as well as the costs of reducing or remedying loss, in the rate base; and WHEREAS: H.2683/S.1845 covers leakage or loss by leakage or loss due to discrepancies from measuring or monitoring inaccuracies, variations of temperature or pressure, and other circumstances; and WHEREAS: The cost of UFG is typically passed on from utilities to consumers of gas, and in Massachusetts, ratepayers pay up to $135 million every year for lost gas; and WHEREAS: Gas leaks are equivalent to 10% of our greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS: Natural gas is 95% methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and methane is also a precursor to ozone formation that can decrease lung function and aggravate asthma; and WHEREAS: Leaking gas in the ground is harmful to vegetation and can kill valuable shade trees by depriving roots of oxygen; and WHEREAS: Twelve other states, including California, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas have caps on how much customers pay for lost and leaking gas; and WHEREAS: H.2683/S.1845 will provide a financial incentive to gas providers to develop improved technologies and practices for transportation, distribution and storage; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville Board of Aldermen strongly supports House Bill 2683/Senate Bill 1845 and urges the Massachusetts Legislature to take action to pass this measure to protect consumers and the environment; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Clerk forward a copy of this resolution to Somerville’s legislative delegation as well as to House Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Rosenberg and Governor Baker.