The ongoing gas leak in Porter Ranch, California has now prompted a lawsuit by the City of Los Angeles against provider Southern California Gas Co on behalf of the people of California. In the suit, filed Monday, City Attorney Mike Feuer alleges negligence and a violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law from the leak, which he says has jeopardized public and environmental health.
“No community should have to endure what the residents of Porter Ranch have suffered from the Gas Company’s continued failure to stop that leak,” said Feuer. Mayor Eric Garcetti has also weighed in, calling it “an unprecedented disaster for the city of Los Angeles.”
The suit comes days after public health officials acknowledged that prolonged exposure to some of the trace chemicals could cause long-term health effects. In addition, officials fear the emissions from the leak could have a negative impact on the climate and environment as a whole.
The leak began over a month ago and is releasing around 50,000 kilograms of methane per hour, according to officials. At least 1,000 families have requested to relocate as a result.
Read more about the lawsuit here.