A long-term health study bill on the effects of the Aliso Canyon natural gas leak, introduced by Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, passed California’s Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee Wednesday.

Assembly Bill 1903 would commission a study that will focus on the health of individuals who lived within a 12-mile radius for the period between October 23, 2015, and until the date that the Department of Conservation, Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources completes its review on the natural gas well.

Wilk underlined the importance of such a long-term study for affected residents of Aliso Canyon.

“Since October 23rd, 2015, the Aliso Canyon gas leak has caused a great deal of concern and fear to the communities surrounding the natural gas storage facility,” said Wilk. “It is imperative the areas affected by this leak receive a thorough, independent study to fully understand the long-term health impacts.”

If approved, the bill would also require the Public Utilities Commission to publish and transmit its reports and its findings on a biennial basis until 2028.

AB 1903 moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration.