January 29, 2016 - 3:44 PM EST
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Senators call for investigation of Aliso Canyon gas leak

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 (UPI) --

A pair of U.S. senators are seeking the cause of the natural gas leak at California's Aliso Canyon.

California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, both Democrats, have proposed an amendment to energy legislation that would urge Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to review the leak that has displaced over 3,000 families in the Porter Ranch area.

The amendment would give Moniz and a six-member task force six months to determine whether Aliso Canyon and other gas fields near populated areas should remain open.

It has been very frustrating to watch this Aliso Canyon crisis unfold -- almost in slow motion -- without any clear remedy, Boxer said in a statement. It is time to put our brightest minds to work to analyze and make recommendations that would not only assist in Aliso Canyon, but would also help us prevent and respond to similar incidents across the country.

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on Jan. 6 in response to the leak, allowing the state to receive more resources.

Southern California Gas Co. also announced a contingency plan on Tuesday that aims to stop the leak by February.

Feinstein and Boxer are seeking more long-term solutions through their amendment, which would have the task force report on their findings periodically to provide the most up to date information.

We have a responsibility not only to address this leak, but also to ensure nothing like this ever happens again, Feinstein said. This amendment, which directs the government to look at the cause of the leak and the response, will provide valuable lessons on how we can keep communities all around the country safe from similar situations.


Source: United Press International (January 29, 2016 - 3:44 PM EST)

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