For months, a cracked well has been spewing methane, benzene, and other chemicals into the air in Porter Ranch, CA. This leak is a health and environment catastrophe. Just recently, the Los Angeles County District Attorney has filed criminal charges against Southern California Gas Company, who is responsible for the leak. The charges are three criminal misdemeanors for releasing harmful substances into the air and not notifying the public quickly enough. These misdemeanors could carry very large fines when charged against a corporation and could escalate any future charges to felonies.
These criminal suits are only being filed after numerous civil lawsuits already have been. The District Attorney hopes that the criminal court system will be more efficient and bring action more quickly to the area. The leak has displaced a large number of residents and is taking a heavy toll on the businesses in the area. The problem has been found, but for the gas company to fix it, legal action that can sometimes take months to file and hear is required.
Original Al Jazeera Video (link)
These criminal suits are only being filed after numerous civil lawsuits already have been. The District Attorney hopes that the criminal court system will be more efficient and bring action more quickly to the area. The leak has displaced a large number of residents and is taking a heavy toll on the businesses in the area. The problem has been found, but for the gas company to fix it, legal action that can sometimes take months to file and hear is required.
Original Al Jazeera Video (link)