Holding Utilities Accountable

Responding to the San Bruno Tragedy

In the wake of the September 9, 2010 San Bruno gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes, Jerry took charge in the legislature to hold utilities and regulators accountable for improving the safety of gas lines beneath our homes. He held informational hearings and testified before regulators to get answers and had legislation signed to help prevent future disasters. Assembly Bill 56 was the most comprehensive gas pipeline safety bill signed by Governor Brown in 2011 and requires remote-controlled shut off valves in high population areas and the comprehensive testing and recordkeeping of transmission lines. It also prohibits utilities from using ratepayer money to pay penalties for safety violations assessed by the California Public Utilities Commission and requires utilities to meet annually with local fire departments to review emergency response plans.