Air regulators sue Southern California Gas Co over Los Angeles County leak
by Associated Press from on (#1220B)
- Utility company accused of neglecting to fix gas leak first reported in October
- Residents have blamed leak for causing sickness and prompting evacuations
Regional air regulators sued the Southern California Gas Co on Tuesday, seeking penalties that could surpass $25m for a months-long natural gas leak that is blamed for sickening neighbors and has prompted a mass evacuation of a San Fernando Valley neighborhood.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District sued the utility for creating a public nuisance. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County superior court, further contends that "as a result of their negligence, people were injured", said Kurt Wiese, the agency's general counsel.
