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UP IN ARMS - In response to increasing public outcry, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced today that it will postpone its final decision on the future of the Aliso Canyon gas storage facility until March 31, 2025. The facility, located in the San Fernando Valley, was the site of the largest methane blowout in U.S. history nearly a decade ago, causing severe environmental and health impacts.
A History of Controversy
The Aliso Canyon gas storage facility gained national attention in 2015 when a massive methane leak forced thousands of residents from their homes in Porter Ranch and surrounding communities. The disaster, considered the worst methane blowout in U.S. history, released over 100,000 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to climate change and causing widespread health concerns, including headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues.
Despite state-mandated reviews and calls for its closure, the facility has remained operational, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups, community activists, and public health advocates.
Public Pressure Mounts
Today’s announcement comes after sustained advocacy from environmental organizations, including Food & Water Watch, and community members who have been demanding the permanent closure of the site. Andrea Vega, Southern California Senior Organizer for Food & Water Watch, praised the delay but urged officials to take stronger action.
“Given the growing public pressure from environmental groups, impacted community members, and individuals across the state and beyond – one thing is clear: Californians want this dangerous facility shut down,” Vega said. “This delay is a testament to all of the hard work from residents and advocates who have been pushing elected officials to shut down this facility for nearly a decade, but the simple fact is that true justice can only come if the facility is shut down.”
A Call for Action
Environmental groups argue that Aliso Canyon is neither necessary for California's energy security nor compatible with the state’s ambitious climate goals. They point to Governor Gavin Newsom’s previous commitment to shut down the facility by 2027 as a critical benchmark.
“Aliso Canyon is not needed for California’s energy future and presents a serious health risk to those living near it,” Vega added. “Governor Newsom should take this time to direct his CPUC to seriously consider the impacts of keeping this facility open indefinitely, reject its preliminary proposal, and keep to the 2027 shutdown timeline he promised.”
Looking Ahead
The delay gives state regulators additional time to assess long-term energy reliability while weighing environmental and public health impacts. However, for local residents and environmental advocates, the path forward is clear: they want Aliso Canyon closed permanently.
As the March 2025 deadline approaches, community leaders and advocacy groups are expected to continue applying pressure, ensuring that the fight to shut down Aliso Canyon remains at the forefront of California's environmental and energy policy discussions.
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