“The order approved by SoCal Gas from AQMD is a collusive consent order intended to immunize SoCal Gas from a Clean Air Act Citizen Suit Action. The proposed Order allegedly resolves all liability issues with a sweetheart deal, and now a complaint, requesting only nominal civil penalties.The order nowhere requires SoCal Gas to perform the hard work of exploring permanent closure of the facility. California regulators are acting the part of the classic “captive agency” instead of protecting the public from pollution. AQMD, like DOGGR, are behaving like sock puppets for a company that they are charged with regulating. Virtually every action to date has exposed AQMD's dogged obsession with keeping SoCal Gas’s rusting and decrepit Aliso Canyon Gas Storage Facility open rather than forcing the company to engage in the long-term studies and planning required for an orderly shutdown and transition to safe and clean energy sources.
Instead of devising tricky gimmicks to help SoCal Gas duck accountability for its crimes, AQMD should be focusing on its neglected responsibility to force the company to 1) properly characterize the gas plume, 2) come clean about its history of unreported discharges, 3) come clean about the misallocation of safety upgrade funding, and 4) safeguard public health and private property.
So Cal Gas’ Porter Ranch well failure is also a failure of government. It’s time that regulators recall that they are public servants - not indentured servants to the gas company.”
For more information and to view the massive amount of poisonous gas being emitted by the shocking and unprecedented well failure, visit www.porterranchlawsuit.com.
About Kennedy & Madonna
Kennedy & Madonna, LLP is an environmental law firm that specializes in representing communities that have been impacted by pollution. The firm uses a variety of legal tools including federal citizen suits, administrative challenges, and tort law to hold polluters accountable for their actions. The firm was formed in 2000 by founding partners Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Kevin J. Madonna. For more information, visit www.kennedymadonna.com.
About Panish Shea & Boyle LLP
Panish Shea & Boyle LLP is a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm that takes on large corporations and government entities whose negligence causes our clients' injuries and holds them accountable. In June 2014, Panish Shea & Boyle obtained at $19.8 million jury verdict to a man who suffered severe burn and traumatic brain injuries when his rental home exploded as a result of a Southern California Gas Company’s negligence. In 2008, the firm obtained a $15 million jury verdict against SoCalGas for a 14-year-old boy who was hit by a company truck. Panish Shea & Boyle LLP also represented numerous plaintiffs in the San Bruno PG&E gas explosion cases. Our attorneys are and have always been champions of consumer rights. The size, clout or financial strength of wrongdoers is never a deterrent to our pursuit for justice. For more information, visit www.psblaw.com.
About the Law Firm of Morgan & Morgan
Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest exclusively plaintiffs’ law firms in the US, with 25 offices throughout Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and New York. The firm handles cases nationally and has been a leader in cases such as the BP Oil spill and Chinese Drywall litigation. We have over 300 lawyers with years of experience involving personal injury, medical malpractice, consumer class action, and securities fraud - as well as complex litigation against drug and medical device manufacturers. For more information, visit www.forthepeople.com.
About The R. Rex Parris Law Firm
For over 30 years, R. Rex Parris has devoted his practice to protecting the rights of injured people and aggrieved workers. With over $1.1 Billion recovered on behalf of clients, Rex and his dedicated team has the experience and track record necessary to help families in need. The R. Rex Parris Law Firm provides thorough, high-quality representation with integrity and compassion. These lawyers fight aggressively to ensure their clients get the compensation they deserve. For more information, visit www.rrexparris.com.