Deadly Gas, Maximum Fines: California Sues So Cal Gas for Negligence

The state of California is suing Southern California Gas Co. for $440,000 a day, as Aliso Canyon’s gas storage field continues to pump deadly methane into the atmosphere.

The state alleges negligent operation, design, and response to the leaking facility that has displaced more than 12,000 people. The site has been leaking for nearly 100 days, which tallies up to a total fine of about $42.4 million… and counting.

California’s Public Utilities Commission has ordered Southern California Gas Co. to share all records on the storage field, and the California Senate unanimously passed emergency legislation that prohibits new natural gas injections into the leaking storage facility.

The Aliso Canyon gas storage facility provides energy to 500 communities and 21 million people.