Politics & Government

San Bruno Demands Accurate PG&E Pipeline Records and Active CPUC Oversight

Mayor Jim Ruane: "We call on PG&E and the CPUC to remedy these persistent threats to the safety of our communities."

City leaders attended a hearing in San Carlos Monday hosted by Sen. Jerry Hill and a California Senate subcommittee on Gas and Electric Infrastructure Safety, scheduled in response to revelations of safety threats to PG&E’s pipeline 147 in San Carlos. An internal PG&E memo expressed concerns that San Carlos could become the next San Bruno, referring to the deadly 2010 explosion in the Crestmoor neighborhood.

PG&E Engineer: "Are we sitting on a San Bruno situation?"

San Bruno used the opportunity to call for accurate pipeline safety records, enhanced emergency response protocols and vigilant state oversight.

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“We call on PG&E and the CPUC to remedy these persistent threats to the safety of our communities,” said San Bruno Mayor Jim Ruane. “We ask that PG&E and the CPUC communicate with local governments in a manner that is honest, timely and transparent so that city and county leaders are not left in the dark after a threat is discovered beneath our communities and our citizens.”

Specifically, San Bruno wants:

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  • PG&E must notify cities, counties and the CPUC within 24 hours should it detect any immediate threats to public safety or any discrepancies in its records
  • PG&E must staff a dedicated, 24/7, employee to its Dispatch and Control Room, trained to communicate with emergency responders and city officials in the event of an emergency
  • PG&E must provide better public awareness and outreach programs to local governments so that emergency responders are aware of important pipeline information and know what to do in an emergency
  • PG&E must work with local cities to establish a regular, productive and open two-way communication to address important safety issues in each community.

Ruane called on the state to intervene by establishing an Office of Local Government Liaison, to coordinate emergency response plans and force PG&E to operate with transparency. 


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