GAS BUSTERS
RHODE ISLAND
Get Involved
We need folks on the ground both looking for leaks and advocating for the passage of legislation to prevent future leaks. Read below to find out how to get involved in either!
Gasbust in your neighborhood
Do you want to help detect gas leaks near you? Are you interested in helping to organize other gasbusters? Contact us at GasbustersRI@gmail.com or give us a call at 401-660-4255 to see how you can get involved!
Advocate for the passage of gas leak accountability legislation
Sign this petition today to express your support and contact us to get more involved
What legislation is needed?
Currently, there is no legislation in place that prohibits natural gas utilities from passing the cost of gas leaks down to consumers. If the Rhode Island State Legislature were to develop regulations that limited the dollar amount utility companies can charge consumers for gas lost due to leaks, utility companies like Rhode Island's National Grid would have a financial incentive to fix gas leaks as fast as possible. When similar legislation was passed in Texas, 55% of gas leaks were fixed in three years.
Why is it important?
Gas leaks release methane, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. If National Grid is not held accountable for its gas leaks, this unnecessary emission of methane will continue, and Rhode Island's contribution to global climate change will be exacerbated. In addition, consumers will continue to foot the bill for National Grid's inefficiencies. Gas leak accountability legislation protects both consumers and the planet.
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How can I support it?
To show your support for the Rhode Island State Legislature to pass gas leak accountability legislation, you can sign this petition, which will be used to recruit a state representative that can advocate for an accountability bill within the State of Rhode Island General Assembly.
What's it like to gasbust?
A story from our recent work....
On October 16, 2022, a group of Brown University student-volunteers detected a 30% methane leak in a manhole at the corner of Jenckes and Pratt Street on College Hill in Providence. Upon testing, there was a noticeable gas smell coming from the manhole. The students immediately called 911 and waited at a safe distance from the manhole until the fire department arrived. The firefighters re-tested the gas leak and proceeded to knock on the doors of the surrounding homes to test for gas leaks in their basements – none were found. Finally, the firefighters called National Grid and waited at the site until they arrived. ​
The commotion on the street caused a lot of local residents to come out of their homes and ask questions about the gas leak to both the students and the firefighters. In several cases, neighbors reported passing the manhole and smelling gas for several months, but they did not know whether to report it. These anecdotes made clear to Gasbusters the need for education around gas leaks and what to do if one smells gas around their home, school, or workplace.
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On December 4, 2022, the students re-visited the leak. This time, there was a .3% gas leak in the manhole. When the two manholes on either side of the big leak were tested, .05% gas was detected