Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Early this morning, a TransCanada gas pipeline exploded in Marshall County, West Virginia. Thus far, there have been no reports of injuries, though the images portray a significant explosion. According to reports, the line has been shut down.
TransCanada is the same company that is behind the widely opposed proposed Keystone XL and Potomac pipelines.
In response, Sierra Club West Virginia Chapter Chair Justin Raines released the following statement:
“We are thankful that no one has been reported injured in this explosion. Unfortunately that isn’t always the case, and this disaster is a scene that is becoming all too familiar to West Virginians. Fracked gas pipelines leak on a regular basis, and fracked gas pipelines explode on a regular basis. We here in West Virginia need to come to terms with the dangerous reality of fracked gas infrastructure, and look for an alternative that doesn’t put the lives of our families and communities at risk.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.