California gas explosion sparks mayoral opposition to gas line in Bayonne

BAYONNE AND JERSEY CITY– In light of yesterday’s massive gas explosion in San Bruno, California, Mayor Mark Smith reiterated his opposition to the Spectra Energy Gas Pipeline being located in any residential neighborhoods in Bayonne.
Smith had previously written to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission expressing his opposition to the pipeline being located along West First Street and Lexington Avenue in Bayonne. The Mayor’s office has contacted representatives of Spectra Energy and reinforced the administration’s opposition to their proposed route on West First Street and Lexington Avenue.
“While it is not yet clear what the cause of the explosion was, what is clear is the absolute devastation that ensued,” said Mayor Smith. “A gas transmission main is simply not appropriate for our densely populated urban neighborhoods.”
Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, who opposes the pipeline traversing his city, has asked city Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Greg Kierce to plan a trip to San Bruno, where the explosion occurred, according to a report on nj.com.
“While the incident in California is still under investigation, the explosion there claimed several lives, injured many, and leveled dozens of homes,” Healy said in a statement. “If this type of explosion were to happen in a city our size, we cannot begin to comprehend the level of devastation, destruction and loss of life. It would be catastrophic.”

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