An environmental justice analysis of distribution-level natural gas leaks in Massachusetts, USA

A growing body of research shows that natural gas leaks at the distribution level are much more common and extensive than previously thought. Although scholars and advocates have raised alarms about the climate change and economic significance of these leaks, there has been little consideration of the problem from an environmental justice perspective. Using recently available high resolution leak data, this analysis of natural gas leaks across the state of Massachusetts shows that People of Color, limited English speaking households, renters, lower income residents, and adults with lower levels of education are disproportionately exposed to natural gas leaks and that their leaks take longer to repair, as compared to the general population, and particularly as compared to White residents and to homeowners. This pattern is evident for all leaks in the state, for leaks disaggregated by leak class or grade, and for leaks disaggregated by utility. This analysis shows that natural gas leaks are an environmental justice issue warranting further study and policy attention. •Natural gas leaks in the gas distribution system are an environmental justice issue.•Marginalized populations are disproportionately exposed to natural gas leaks.•Gas leak repair is comparatively slower for marginalized populations.•Gas leak repair should prioritize marginalized communities.•Detailed gas leak reporting is critical to equity assessments and accountability.