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

Opinion
Q & A: The Climate Crisis as a Crisis of Modern Men
ByMatthew Green
on

Indra Andan, founder of The Alternative Global, says new forms of masculinity are emerging to challenge the patriarchal models at the root of the ecological crisis.

Indra Andan, founder of The Alternative Global, says new forms of masculinity are emerging to challenge the patriarchal models at the root of the ecological crisis.
Analysis
uk/How Will Reform Rule Affect Local Climate Policy?
ByAdam Barnett
on

Farageโ€™s party has shown over the last year that it will attempt to block and reverse clean energy initiatives in its new councils.

Farageโ€™s party has shown over the last year that it will attempt to block and reverse clean energy initiatives in its new councils.
Series: Defending Democracy from Dirty Money
Series: Defending-UK-Democracy
Event | Off the Record: How to Talk to Journalists, Lawyers, and Activist Organizations
ByDeSmog
on

Join a May 19 discussion on how advertising and PR professionals can help journalists hold the industry to account, featuring DeSmog investigative reporters.

Join a May 19 discussion on how advertising and PR professionals can help journalists hold the industry to account, featuring DeSmog investigative reporters.
Oil Pipelines Align With Jesus, Danielle Smith Tells Christian Leaders
ByMary Stuart and Geoff Dembicki
on

The Alberta premier gave a biblical justification for oil expansion at a Christian conference featuring Conservative MPs and provincial cabinet ministers.

The Alberta premier gave a biblical justification for oil expansion at a Christian conference featuring Conservative MPs and provincial cabinet ministers.