Explosion creates momentum for pipeline bill
“State lawmakers said Thursday’s pipeline explosion could be a tipping point for legislation that would stop a developer from using eminent domain to build a new pipeline in Kentucky.
The explosion happened early Thursday morning in Knifley, a small town in Adair County. People reported seeing flames from miles away after the natural gas line burst.
Lawmakers have already filed bills to prevent developer Williams Co. from using eminent domain to purchase right-of-way for a natural gas liquids pipeline through Kentucky. The measures haven’t moved forward, and one of the sponsors said Thursday’s explosion might renew interest in the issue.
“It does draw attention to it,” said Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon. “If it’s not passing through their county, other legislators haven’t been real interested in being involved in the legislation or showing support.””
Keith, Theo. Wave 3 News 13 February 2014.