On a rainy morning on October 22, more than 75 community members and environmental organizations gathered for a rally in front of the SoCalGas headquarters in DTLA. The mission was clear. To demand accountability from a utility that repeatedly prioritizes record corporate profits over public health, spikes monthly utility bills despite growing yearly profits, and actively lobbies against critical climate policies.
Speakers highlighted the growing regional movement to transition away from fossil fuels and protect local neighborhoods from further environmental hazards. Activists at the rally directly challenged SoCalGas's recent agenda to increase customer rates at a time when families are already struggling under increasing utility bills. Organizers emphasized that frontline communities bear too much of a burden, paying higher prices while living with the long-term health and environmental consequences of polluting projects in their communities.
There is still work to do to shut down major local gas storage and compressor facilities. Local projects include:
- Aliso Canyon Storage Facility: the site of the worst methane blowout in U.S. history.
- Playa del Rey Gas Storage Facility: a persistent safety risk near dense coastal neighborhoods.
- Ventura Compressor Station: a major source of localized pollution and community concern.
Southern California communities are ready for a clean, affordable, and electrified future. We won't back down until we get it.
Below is what we’re demanding:
- SHUT DOWN the Aliso Canyon and the Playa del Rey gas storage facilities.
- CPUC, reject SoCalGas rate hikes and protect ratepayers.
- SoCalGas, stop using ratepayer money for political lobbying and campaigns that protect/promote the gas industry.
- SCAQMD, advance strong zero-emission standards for furnaces and pass strong clean air protections to safeguard our communities.
- Provide incentives to make the transition affordable for households and businesses.