Governor Brown Declares California Gas Leak a State of Emergency

(LOS ANGELES – Jan. 6, 2016) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauded the order from Governor Jerry Brown declaring the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak an emergency and calling for swift action to stop the massive leak that began more than two months ago. At peak measurement, the leak was pumping 72 million cubic feet of methane into the atmosphere and causing, every day, as much climate damage in the next 20 years as 7 million cars on the road.

“This leak has been a state of emergency for the Porter Ranch community and the climate since day one. Governor Brown is right to call it such and to shut down the facility until it is made safe.

“Eyes are now open to the world’s methane problem. Leaks from the oil and gas industry occur every day, and Aliso Canyon is an extreme example of what can happen when companies don’t properly monitor and maintain aging oil and gas infrastructure.

“Stronger state and national methane policies are needed to prevent these types of problems in the future. The steps Governor Brown outlines in his order recognize both the immediate need to stop the massive leak, but set in motion a longer term effort to protect people and the environment from methane leakage – it’s a great first step.”

• Mark Brownstein, Vice President, Climate & Energy