DeSmog

Facebook-f X-twitter
Subscribe
Donate
Donate

DeSmog

Donate
Search
Search

Porter Ranch Methane Leak: Business As Usual Leads to State of Emergency

mikulka color
By Justin Mikulka
on

The ongoing Aliso Canyon methane leak in California โ€” which finally earned a declaration of a state of emergencyย by Governor Jerry Brown โ€” is a repeat of a story we have seen many times before.

A history of lax oversight by state regulators. Loopholes in weak regulations allowing for corporate cost cutting despite known risks. The revolving door between the oil and gas industry and regulatory agencies that oversee the industry. And politicians who fill their campaign coffers with industryย donations.

The real emergency is that until this system changes, the Porter Ranch methane leak disaster in California will just be one more in a series of such events which could have been prevented with basic common sense and safety measures.ย 

Watch this video for moreย information:

ย 

Blog image credit: Aerial view of Aliso Canyon methane leak by Earthworks via Flickr.

By Justin Mikulka
mikulka color
Justin Mikulka is a research fellow at New Consensus. Prior to joining New Consensus in October 2021, Justin reported for DeSmog, where he began in 2014. Justin has a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University.

Related Posts

How the Oil Industry Is Pushing EPA to 'Effectively Gut' Methane Rules During Affordability and Climate Crises
ByRachel Santarsiero
on

From the One Big Beautiful Bill to a pipeline โ€œloophole,โ€ a new report highlights industry influence on EPA and Congress to reverse climate rules.

From the One Big Beautiful Bill to a pipeline โ€œloophole,โ€ a new report highlights industry influence on EPA and Congress to reverse climate rules.
Series: Inside MAGA’s Global Climate Agenda
Series: MAGA
A red, white, and blue banner with the EPA logo and U.S. 250th anniversary that reads 'Powering the Great American Comeback' on the outside of the EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Analysis
Proposed Alberta Data Centre Backed by U.S.-based MAGA Donor
ByMitch Anderson
on

Black & Veatch, the company behind Goldfinch Technology Park, donates to Republican politicians through its political action committee.

Black & Veatch, the company behind Goldfinch Technology Park, donates to Republican politicians through its political action committee.
Pathways Proponent Claims Carbon Capture Project Only 'Slightly Smaller' Despite Reduction by Half
ByTaylor Noakes
on

Oil Sands Alliance's Kendall Dilling confirms that the proposed carbon capture project is more scaled back than oil producers originally advertised.

Oil Sands Alliance's Kendall Dilling confirms that the proposed carbon capture project is more scaled back than oil producers originally advertised.
uk/UAE Influence on Reform Should be Investigated โ€“ Report
ByAdam Barnett
on

The Gulf petrostate is forging alliances with radical right-wing parties across the world.

The Gulf petrostate is forging alliances with radical right-wing parties across the world.