Padavan Meets With Public Service Commissioner Following Tragic Gas Explosion

In the wake of the tragic gas explosion in Floral Park on April 24th which claimed the life of Ghanwatti Boodram, mother of three, and destroyed the adjacent homes of the Levin and Barth households, State Senator Frank Padavan met with New York State Public Service Commissioner Garry Brown to discuss responses to the incident.  The Commission is charged with overseeing public utilities in New York such as Con Edison, which provided service to the area where the explosion occurred.

Commissioner Brown advised Padavan that the Commission has initiated an investigative proceeding including opportunity for public comments and participation, particularly a review of Con Edison’s emergency response procedures.  Con Edison is required to submit its initial report on the incident by May 26, detailing a full description, response, results and findings.  Thereafter, the Commission will prepare a separate report, to be made publicly available, and will hold hearings to solicit comments from the public on the reports and other matters relating to the explosion.

In the aftermath of the April 24th explosion, Padavan has joined with community leaders to demand answers as to the explosion’s cause and the implementation of measures to prevent future accidents, interceding with Con Edison on behalf of neighborhood residents and apprising them of latest developments.    

“The residents of my district pay some of the highest energy prices in the country, partly to ensure that there is the capital to maintain gas and electrical lines.  Deterioration of these lines is completely unacceptable, and it is imperative that utility companies respond effectively to reports of potential hazards, such as gas leaks,” Padavan said.  “I will continue to work with the Public Service Commission and inform the community of the progress of the investigation, so future tragedies can be prevented.”