Senate passes power plant bill in wake of explosion

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut lawmakers have given final legislative approval to a bill banning the use of flammable gas to clean piping at natural gas-fire power plants.

The bill attempts to address safety issues that came to light following the 2010 explosion at Kleen Energy in Middletown. Six men were killed in the blast. The Senate approved the bill unanimously late Tuesday night.

Much of the bill codifies recommendations of a commission created last year by former Gov. M. Jodi Rell. It puts into state law Rell's executive order banning gas blows, the practice that was under way when the massive explosion occurred at the 620-megawatt plant that was under construction.

The bill also requires power plant developers to provide at least one special inspector to help local fire marshals inspect such facilities.