LOS ANGELES (AP) 鈥� California regulators have approved a controversial proposal to delay the closure of the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Facility, the , which forced thousands of families from their Los Angeles homes in 2015.
The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday voted 4-0, with one commissioner recused, to approve a judge鈥檚 proposed decision that Aliso Canyon should remain open for the time being, the reported.
But commissioners said the vote created a pathway to lowering or eliminating reliance on Aliso Canyon in future years by establishing a target for the level of demand for natural gas in Southern California that can be met without the need of the facility.
鈥淭his decision puts forward a path to the closure of Aliso Canyon that is achievable, realistic, and protective of families and businesses who are struggling to pay energy bills,鈥� CPUC President Alice Reynolds said in a statement. 鈥淗uge progress is underway to bring online clean energy resources and drive down demand for natural gas-fired power plants."
Opponents of the facility want it closed immediately. Craig Galanti, a Porter Ranch resident living near Aliso Canyon, was unhappy with the commission's vote.
鈥淎m I surprised? No. Am I disappointed? I鈥檓 exceedingly disappointed,鈥� he told the news group. 鈥淭he CPUC continues to support the best interests of the utilities at the expense of the community鈥檚 health and safety.鈥�
The 2015 Aliso Canyon gas leak, , released more than 120,000 metric tons of methane and other gases into the atmosphere over communities in the San Fernando Valley.
Thousands of residents were forced to move out of their homes to escape a sulfurous stench and maladies including headaches, nausea and nosebleeds. SoCalGas and its parent company, Sempra Energy, in settlements to more than 35,000 victims in 2021.
, the company reached another settlement with the utilities commission, agreeing to pay more than $70 million to the Aliso Canyon Recovery Account to address the impacts from the leak on air quality and public health.
The Associated Press
