LOS ANGELES -- California lawmakers proposed stronger regulations Monday to prevent a natural gas storage leak like one that has sickened Los Angeles residents and driven thousands from their homes.
Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, said the legislation would prevent a replay of the massive uncontrolled leak that has persisted nearly three months in the San Fernando Valley.
"I know we can do better," Pavley said at a news conference in the Porter Ranch neighborhood, where residents have complained of nausea, headaches, nosebleeds and other ailments since the leak was discovered Oct. 23. "How can we make sure this kind of tragedy never happens again?"
More than 4,500 families either plan to or have moved out of Porter Ranch while Southern California Gas Co. tries to stop the leak. It has cost the company more than $50 million and is not expected to be plugged until March.
One proposed bill would require safety valves, better leak protection and tighter restrictions if facilities are close to homes or schools.