Sen. Casey Wants Feds to Help With Pa. Explosions

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is asking the Department of Energy to help officials investigate migrating methane gas as the likely cause of two house explosions in northwestern Pennsylvania.

A state police fire marshal says he can’t yet pinpoint that as the cause of the explosions that leveled two Bradford Township homes, one on Dec. 12, the other on Feb. 28.

But the Bradford Era is reporting that the Pennsylvania Democrat’s letter to the energy department all but concludes that methane migrating from nearby gas wells is linked to the explosions and tainted well water at seven other homes in the area.

Casey’s letter touts the economic potential of Marcellus Shale and other wells in Pennsylvania, but urges the energy department to coordinate with federal and state environmental officials to ensure such wells are safe.