Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
BROOKFIELD, Conn. – Sierra Club Connecticut and Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania (PSR PA) have released new infrared footage of large, polluting gas plumes – undetectable to the human eye – exiting smokestacks at four local gas facilities across the state.
Governor Lamont and several legislators have recently signaled support for increasing the state’s gas supply despite the known risks of increased pollution and higher energy costs. The new images underscore gas infrastructure’s present and looming threat, as local communities fend off possible pipeline expansions.
Click Here to View an Educational Webinar on the Footage.
FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) OGI (Optical Gas Imaging) detects and visualizes gas emissions in real-time. Infrared cameras spot gas leaks based on the absorption of infrared light by gases like methane and others commonly found in gas facilities. PSR PA recorded infrared imaging at four Connecticut gas facilities in December including compressor stations and other gas hubs in Brookfield, Cromwell, Milford, and Oxford.
“This imaging shows the unseen visual reality of our state’s polluting gas facilities, however, the economic and health impacts of these polluters is crystal clear,” said Sierra Club Northeast Field Organizer Nick Katkevich. “From high asthma rates to unaffordable energy costs, gas power has wrecked havoc on our communities. Every child, elder, and adult deserves to breathe clean air. Rather than increase dependence on high-emitting gas pipelines, Connecticut must invest in clean energy that powers communities, creates good, green jobs, and lowers health and climate-harming emissions.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.