MONDAY: Senator Markey, Rep. Trahan, Merrimack Valley Leaders, and Rondon Family to Unveil New Federal Pipeline Safety Legislation Named After Leonel Rondon

Rondon family will join lawmakers, first responders, community organizations in Lawrence as Senator Markey outlines new legislation in wake of Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster

Washington (April 5, 2019) – Senator Edward J. Markey and Congresswoman Lori Trahan will hold a press conference on Monday, April 8 with Merrimack Valley elected officials, state legislators, first responders, and community organizations to honor the late Leonel Rondon and the Rondon family with new federal pipeline safety legislation named in his honor. The new legislation responds to deficiencies uncovered during the investigation into the Merrimack Valley disaster by Senators Markey and Elizabeth Warren. The legislation is intended to strengthen distribution systems management and safety by closing regulatory loopholes and increasing safety standards.

WHO: Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)

–Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03)

–Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera

–Andover Town Manager Andrew Flanagan

–Rondon family (Rosaly Rondon, Miguel Rondon, Lucianny Rondon, Leonardi Rondon, Rianny Rondon)

WHAT: Press conference to announce new federal pipeline safety legislation named after Leonel Rondon

WHEN: 11 AM, Monday, April 8, 2019

WHERE: Ladder 4 Fire Station, 79 S. Broadway, Lawrence, Mass.

On November 26, 2019, Senator Markey hosted a Senate Commerce Committee field hearing in Lawrence with Senator Warren, Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), then-Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-03), Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Congresswoman Trahan. The hearing focused on the September 13 natural gas pipeline explosions and fires that killed Leonel Rondon, injured more than two dozen, and damaged more than 100 structures.