**20 U.S. Cities Most Affected by Gas Leaks Revealed**
New research indicates that gas leaks are a significant financial burden on U.S. fire departments, costing over $500 million annually. This issue is particularly prevalent in some cities compared to others.
With about 75 million households in the U.S. using natural gas for various applications, such as heating and cooking, the country’s extensive network of 2.1 million miles of underground pipelines is crucial. Unfortunately, the aging infrastructure and degraded appliances can lead to gas leaks, ranging from minor seepages to dangerous explosions.
According to Sebastian Rowland, a scientist from Physicians, Scientists, and Engineers for Healthy Energy, preventing these leaks is essential, as they divert resources from other emergencies. The new study published in the journal *Energy Policy* and conducted by PSE Health Energy, analyzed 15 years of emergency response data obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The data revealed that 20 cities accounted for 19% of all gas leak incidents in the U.S., with the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions experiencing higher rates.
In 2018 alone, the top 20 cities with the most gas leak incidents were:
– New York, New York: 22,090 incidents
– Chicago, Illinois: 5,032 incidents
– Yonkers, New York: 1,453 incidents
– Rochester, New York: 1,102 incidents
– Baltimore, Maryland: 1,076 incidents
– Washington, D.C.: 944 incidents
– Los Angeles, California: 922 incidents
– Houston, Texas: 829 incidents
– Austin, Texas: 727 incidents
– Charlotte, North Carolina: 703 incidents
– El Paso, Texas: 675 incidents
– Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 664 incidents
– Dallas, Texas: 638 incidents
– Kansas City, Missouri: 635 incidents
– Columbus, Ohio: 602 incidents
– Boston, Massachusetts: 570 incidents
– Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 506 incidents
– Newark, New Jersey: 486 incidents
– Minneapolis, Minnesota: 482 incidents
– Atlanta, Georgia: 473 incidents
On average, each incident costs $2,600, with New York City alone spending over $70 million in 2018. Over the 15-year period studied, gas leaks showed a nearly fourfold increase in reports. Moreover, only 70% of fire departments across the nation report their data to the NFIRS, suggesting that the actual financial impact may be higher.
Drew Michanowicz, a senior scientist at PSE Health Energy, emphasized the need for a transition from gas usage to reduce these costs and hazards. The study underscores the growing concern of hidden societal expenses associated with gas leaks, urging a reassessment of energy systems to enhance safety and efficiency.