California Approves Expansion of Gas Storage at Aliso Canyon Despite Public Concerns
California's Public Utilities Commission has voted to allow Southern California Gas Co. to store more fuel at the Aliso Canyon gas storage field, despite opposition from residents and climate change activists. The decision comes eight years after a massive methane leak at the facility prompted evacuations and concerns about health risks. State officials argue that increasing storage capacity will help lower gas and electricity costs for residents this winter. However, critics argue that the decision goes against the state's goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels and poses a continued threat to public health and the environment.