I testified before two Senate committees Thursday as a co-author of Senate Bill 380 by Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, to require an immediate moratorium on natural gas injection and restrict production of gas through vintage wells at the Aliso Canyon gas storage facility.

SB 380 will establish a moratorium on any new injections of natural gas and use of vintage wells for production at the Aliso Canyon storage facility until a determination has been made by selected state agencies and outside experts that the site, specifically the old 1950s wells, does not pose a risk to public health or safety. The measure will also consider how to minimize or eliminate use of the facility while still maintaining energy reliability in the region. SB 380 builds on the order issued by Gov. Jerry Brown in his State of Emergency proclamation.

Thursday marked the 97th day that the Porter Ranch community has suffered the methane leak which has affected children, seniors and pets, harmed local small businesses and, of course, negatively impacted our environment. As these serious conditions continue to impact families in the area, the single most important task we are faced with in this situation is protecting the public’s health and safety.

That is why Senate Bill 380 is so important. It’s imperative this moratorium legislation go into effect immediately so that any new injections of natural gas and use of vintage wells for production at the Aliso Canyon storage facility are deemed safe and do not pose a risk to public health or safety. I salute Senator Pavley for her leadership and I look forward to continue working with her to fight for the residents of Porter Ranch.

SB 380 was heard in the Senate Natural Resources Committee, the Appropriations Committee and finally voted on the Senate floor and approved 40-0. The next step for SB 380 will be the State Assembly. This measure has an urgency clause and will take effect immediately with the governor’s signature.

Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, represents the 38th Assembly District, which includes the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys and portions of the San Fernando and Simi Valleys including the community of Porter Ranch.