SR 26, As adopted by senate, March 14, 2019

senate resolution no.26

Senator Horn offered the following resolution:

A resolution to recognize March 18, 2019, as Gas Utility Worker Appreciation Day.

Whereas, More than three-fourths of Michigan households use natural gas as their primary source for home heating, which puts Michigan among the top five states in residential use of natural gas and in the top ten for total gas consumption; and

Whereas, Michigan has the largest underground natural gas storage capacity in the nation, holding more than one-tenth of the U.S. total, while also having the second largest number of natural gas storage fields; and

Whereas, Michigan has more than 110,000 miles of pipelines that deliver natural gas to individual homes and businesses; and

Whereas, Natural gas workers maintain a network of gas infrastructure assets that provide communities across the state with warm homes, businesses, and cleaner electricity; and

Whereas, It is important for Michigan to honor and recognize these men and women for their efforts in keeping homes and businesses warm while also ensuring the delivery of the fuel for manufacturing processes and electricity production; and

Whereas, At a moment’s notice, these brave men and women work in all weather systems and face dangerous conditions in order to maintain the energy infrastructure of our state; and

Whereas, Working in and around roadways is often required by employees who provide gas service which presents a daily danger; and

Whereas, The Michigan Legislature has passed several public acts to require drivers to drive safely in work zones and provide penalties for those who do not respect these work zones; and

Whereas, Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas transmission and distribution and the employees of such companies endeavor to make natural gas delivery as safe as possible; and

Whereas, March 18, 1937 is the date of the New London, Texas school explosion that led to the widespread odorization of natural gas and an increased emphasis on natural gas safety; and

Whereas, This day is a national day of recognition known as the National Natural Gas Workers’ Day and is a way of building awareness about the hard work done by employees of natural gas utilities; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize March 18, 2019, as Gas Utility Worker Appreciation Day.