Renewed Concerns Following Broome Crash of CNG Truck

Opponents of compressed natural gas transfer sites are calling for a New York state moratorium on the facilities in the aftermath of a rollover crash near Binghamton.

The driver of the tractor-trailer owned by Xpress Natural Gas died after losing control of the truck on Interstate 88 in the town of Fenton early Monday, Broome County emergency officials say.

READ MORE: Driver Dead After XNG Truck Crashes On I-88 in Broome County

The crash scene was a short distance from the Fenton site where NG Advantage had wanted to locate a compressed natural gas transfer station.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Tuesday, Walter Hang, president of Ithaca-based Toxics Targeting, said the location of the crash that resulted in the evacuation of 80 nearby homes was an "uncanny coincidence" in light of the battle waged against the NG Advantage plan two years ago.

Hang noted there had been a call for Governor Cuomo to adopt a moratorium on such facilities in the state.

Hang also explained Cuomo "ignored our concerns." He said the governor "still hasn't taken comprehensive action" regarding the safety issues surrounding the transportation of compressed natural gas.

Officials at Xpress Natural Gas headquarters in Massachusetts were not available to comment.

In a statement issued after Monday's crash, XNG chief administrative officer Seth Berry said: "We will use this incident to learn about our processes and procedures and to make any needed adjustments to help improve our strong safety record."

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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