Today, the California Public Utilities Commission released its proposed decision on the future of the SoCalGas-owned Aliso Canyon gas storage facility. The proposed decision announces that the CPUC does not intend to close the facility by any date certain, instead establishing a biennial review – and ultimately allowing the facility to remain in use for many years to come. Governor Newsom had previously directed his appointed Commissioners in 2019 to expedite the shut down of the facility sooner than his predecessor Governor Brown’s proposed 2027 closure. 

The Aliso Canyon gas storage facility was the site of the biggest methane blowout in U.S. history in 2015. In the four months it took for it to be sealed, the facility discharged 100,000 tons of methane and other toxic chemicals including benzene into the surrounding communities. Many suffered and continue to suffer significant health impacts.

The CPUC is expected to vote on whether to approve the proposal or not in December. 

Impacted community members and advocates released the following statements:

Andrea Vega, Southern California Senior Organizer of Food & Water Watch said, “At a time where Governor Newsom is trying to establish himself as a leader in the national progressive movement, his handling of Aliso Canyon continues to be a never-ending series of disappointments. Governor Newsom promised to shut down Aliso Canyon, and yet throughout his time in office his hand picked Commissioners have repeatedly expanded the capacity of the dangerous facility. Governor Newsom said the process of closing Aliso was going too slow. He told his Commissioners that he wanted them to expedite its shutdown. Instead, they are considering a process that could extend it indefinitely. If the Commission follows through with this recommendation, it will mean either Newsom didn’t mean what he said when he promised residents he would shut down the facility or was too ineffective to make it happen. If Newsom wants to be a climate leader – both in California and nationally, he needs to make sure the CPUC doesn’t implement this proposed decision and, instead, implements the closure of Aliso by 2027 or earlier he previously called for. However, this decision is not set in stone: we urge the Commissioners to vote against this irresponsible proposal that would keep the public health threat that is Aliso Canyon open.”

Deirdre Bolona of Aliso Moms Alliance said, “When Governor Newsom promised me to my face – twice – that he was going to shut down Aliso Canyon, this is not what he meant. When he told me its closure needed to be expedited, he didn’t talk about a process that could extend its operation indefinitely. Our community – including children – suffered greatly as a result of the massive blowout – now over 9 years ago. Many in our community continue to suffer health consequences. Governor Newsom, I implore you – keep your promise to me and our community. Don’t let this preliminary decision stand. Shut Aliso down by 2027 at the latest.” 

Jane Fowler of Aliso Moms Alliance said, “Due to health issues, I have been pushed out of my community and am now living in New York, but I would like to come home to California. My health has improved since I’ve been gone and while it feels good to feel better, I am scared to go back home to California. On one of my recent visits back to my home, I ended up in the emergency room. I was one of the residents who personally spoke with the Governor – he promised me that he would close down Aliso Canyon. Where is he in all of this? He wants to talk about climate and here is an excellent opportunity to actually prove his commitment. Governor Newsom must keep his promise to my community so I can come home.” 

Kyoko Hibino and Matt Pakucko of Save Porter Ranch said, “It feels like everything that we’ve done hasn’t done anything to impact Governor Newsom. The CPUC has shown once again that they cannot be trusted. We also cannot trust Newsom to protect health or climate. He recently called for a special session to protect our climate, but not our health, and both can be accomplished by shutting down the unneeded Aliso Canyon. This keeps getting worse.”