REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ URGES ACTION ON PORTER RANCH IN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA, EPA, AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In light of the ongoing leak near Porter Ranch, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) today sent a letter to President Barack Obama; EPA Administrator, Gina McCarthy; and Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, urging immediate action and federal oversight to protect Californians’ health and safety, and to prevent any future disastrous natural gas leaks.
“As seen at the Aliso Canyon Storage Facility near Porter Ranch in my home state of California, the consequences of a natural gas storage facility malfunction can be catastrophic,” wrote Rep. Sanchez. “My concern rests with the safety of the residents in California, and to avert possible future natural gas leaks.”
Since October, the ongoing leak at the Aliso Canyon Storage Facility has displaced and compromised the health of thousands of families. The leak has released millions of pounds of harmful greenhouse gases, including methane.
“Numerous storage facilities are outdated and lack sufficient safety mechanisms to prevent leaks. Basic safety precautions, such as emergency shut off mechanisms and updated leak detection technology, should be initiated as soon as possible,” wrote Rep. Sanchez.
“Strong federal oversight is needed to ensure the safe and continued operation of these wells,” wrote Rep. Sanchez. “I strongly encourage your Administration to work with the proper federal agencies to create an effective rule to prevent future leaks.”
The letter can be viewed HERE.
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Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 46th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and parts of the cities of Garden Grove and Orange in Orange County. She serves as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces and as the second ranked Democrat on the Committee on Homeland Security.
