Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25) is scheduled to appear this month at a Congressional hearing regarding the causes of the Porter Ranch gas leak and the possibility of legislation that could prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Knight sent a letter to Rep. Jeff Denham (CA-10), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railways, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, requesting that the panel gather information and hear testimony regarding underground natural gas storage facilities with the goal of preventing gas leaks like the one that occurred in October at the Aliso Canyon site. Last week, the committee announced that it would hold such a meeting on Feb. 25, and that Knight would testify on behalf of thousands of his constituents in Porter Ranch affected by the disaster.
Southern California Gas Company announced last week that it had finally capped the leak.
“As we approach a resolution to the Porter Ranch gas leak, it is time we begin the process of recovery and prevention,” Knight said. “This is a first step in that process.”
Knight’s testimony is expected to include information gathered on the topic after speaking with officials from relevant agencies and affected residents, and also from touring both the Aliso Canyon site as well as the Honor Rancho storage facility in Santa Clarita. Knight is also expected to discuss H.R. 4429, the Natural Gas Leak Prevention Act, a bill he introduced in January that would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue adequate safety standards for underground natural gas storage facilities.
“This is an incredibly important matter, and I am pleased that my colleagues will examine it sooner rather than later,” Knight said. “Once we begin to understand what failed at Aliso Canyon, we can take the necessary steps to ensure that it never happens again.”
