Federal officials are recommending stronger nationwide requirements for natural gas systems following last September’s natural gas explosions and fires in Massachusetts.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates major pipeline accidents, said Tuesday every state should require all natural gas infrastructure projects to be reviewed and approved by a licensed professional engineer.
Nineteen states currently have such a requirement but most specifically exempt the natural gas industry from such review requirements, the office said.
“In all 50 states, you have to have a license to cut hair, but you can design a gas system that affects public safety, and 31 states exempt you from having a license or even an engineering degree,” said Robert Hall, who oversees the office’s pipeline investigations, during the board’s discussion in Washington, D.C.