LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris filed a lawsuit against Southern California Gas Co. over alleged violations of California law in connection to a massive methane leak from the company’s Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility.
The natural gas leak caused public health issues and a statewide environmental emergency, and residents of Porter Ranch were forced to relocate, according to the attorney general's office.
Harris charges that Southern California Gas Co. violated state health and safety laws by not promptly controlling the release of the natural gas and reporting the leak to authorities.
“The impact of this unprecedented gas leak is devastating to families in our state, our environment and our efforts to combat global warming. Southern California Gas Co. must be held accountable,” Harris said. “This gas leak has caused significant damage to the Porter Ranch community as well as our statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the impacts of climate change. My office will continue to lead this cross-jurisdictional enforcement action to ensure justice and relief for Californians and our environment.”
Harris’ office will seek relief in the form of injunction, civil penalties and restitution.