SoCalGas gets hit with multiple lawsuits due to Aliso Canyon gas leak
A number of separate lawsuits were thrown at Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) this week due to the utility company’s connection to an ongoing leak at its natural gas facility in Alison Canyon, CA.
SoCalGas first reported the gas leak in October 2015, and thousands of residents in nearby Porter Ranch have been displaced as a result. SoCalGas has had a hard time stopping the leak, as it buried deep underground.
A number of local residents have also complained of various ailments that may be related to the ongoing leak, and now multiple parties are coming after the company legally.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced this week that SoCalGas will face criminal charges for failing to immediately report the leak to authorities in a timely manner.
California Attorney General
California Attorney General Kamala Harris also announced a lawsuit against SoCalGas this week, alleging that the utility company violated health codes, safety codes, public nuisance laws and also failed to report hazardous materials appropriately. The suit seeks civil penalties.
Private parties
A wrongful death lawsuit was also brought against SoCalGas this week by the family of Zelda Rothman, who died on January 25. The suit claims that the gas leak caused her health to deteriorate and directly contributed to her death.
#PorterRanch gas leak: Legal woes mount for Southern California Gas Company https://t.co/bP8pu0UjpQ pic.twitter.com/KlD5UKBJ0M
— CNN (@CNN) February 3, 2016
