California Regulators Approve Delay in Aliso Canyon Gas Facility Closure

The decision outlines a gradual path to reduce reliance on the site of the largest methane leak in U.S. history, despite pushback from residents and activists.

• The California Public Utilities Commission voted 4-0 to delay the closure of the Aliso Canyon gas storage facility, with one commissioner recusing themselves.
• The 2015 Aliso Canyon methane leak released over 120,000 metric tons of gas, forcing thousands of families to evacuate and causing widespread health issues.
• The approved plan aims to reduce reliance on the facility by tying its closure to a decline in natural gas demand sufficient to meet peak needs without the site.
• Critics, including local residents and activists, argue the timeline is too slow, with some estimating the facility may remain operational until 2039.
• Governor Gavin Newsom and CPUC officials emphasized the need to balance public health concerns with maintaining affordable and reliable energy services.

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