One Year Later, Bryan Caforio Remains Committed to Porter Ranch
Press Release
Today Bryan Caforio, congressional candidate for California's 25th District, spoke at a community rally to raise awareness for the families still affected one year after the Aliso Canyon gas leak. Last year the SoCalGas leak displaced thousands of families in Porter Ranch, and residents continue to feel the effects of this environmental disaster.
"What happened in Porter Ranch happened because politicians and the people in charge failed to look out for anybody but themselves," said Caforio. "The science is clear, gas leaks are a huge threat to the health of our communities and the environment. There are common sense safety measures that can be put in place to ensure this never happens in Porter Ranch, or in the 400 other communities that are near active gas facilities."
Immediately after learning of the disaster, Caforio met with the community and testified at a town hall. He also proposed the Nation Overcoming Leaking Emissions by Acting Knowingly and Controlling Toxins (NO LEAK) Act, which would assist local agencies in responding to the leak immediately; prevent future gas leaks with stronger nationwide uniform standards; and ensure that all of those harmed have access to justice.
Conversely, Rep. Steve Knight, who relied on SoCalGas as one of his biggest contributors in the State Legislature and continues to accept large contributions from Big Oil and Gas, faced much criticism for his inaction. Knight waited two months before saying he was "satisfied" with how the gas company was handling the leak, and did not make a public appearance until nearly three months after the leak was discovered. The Los Angeles Daily News criticized Knight for "[staying] largely quiet on the issue" and being "late to the conversation."
Knight's anti-environmental record includes:
Voted to cut funding for the Pipeline And Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Voted against ensuring oil and gas drilling operators are responsible for repairing environmental damage instead of taxpayers
Voted against making pipeline owners, not taxpayers, liable for cleanup costs
Voted against raising civil penalties for pipeline regulation violations
Voted against strengthening safety standards for gas pipelines and holding gas companies accountable for disasters
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