By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would require that all-natural gas work that might pose a material risk to the public be reviewed and approved by a certified professional engineer to ensure the safe construction, operation and maintenance of gas infrastructure. The bill is based on a recommendation made by the National Transportation Safety Board after investigating the series of fires and explosions on September 13 that killed one person and damaged homes and businesses throughout Andover, North Andover and Lawrence.