Gas Explosions Take Center Stage In Congressional Debate

HAVERHILL, MA -- The three candidates hoping to replace Rep. Nikki Tsongas (D-Lowell) in Congress squared off Tuesday in a debate sponsored by the Eagle-Tribune, using the forum to call for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts to be held accountable for the Sept. 13 gas explosions in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. But while Democratic nominee Lori Trahan and independent candidate Mike Mullen said the disaster should be a call to action on switching to renewable energy sources, Republican Rick Green disagreed. "Renewables are fantastic, but the sun doesn't shine at night and the wind doesn't always blow," he said.

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Patch file photo via Shutterstock.