San Bruno Mayor Pushes For Reform 3 Years After Deadly Pipeline Explosion
SAN BRUNO (KCBS) — Nearly three years after a gas pipeline explosion tore through a San Bruno neighborhood, the city's mayor continued his push for regulatory reforms in the wake of the disaster.
On the evening of September 9, 2010, a pipeline owned by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. exploded, killing eight people and injuring 66 others.
Mayor Jim Ruane said the community continues to heal and rebuild from one of the worst gas pipeline explosions in U.S. history.
San Bruno Mayor Pushes For Regulatory Reform 3 Years After Deadly Pipeline Explosion And Fire
"Of the 38 homes that were destroyed, 16 have been reconstructed and are once again occupied. Five lots are actively under construction. 12 lots purchased by the city of San Bruno and PG&E are similarly in the process of being redeveloped," Ruane said.
The mayor said the innocent lives lost evening cannot be brought back, so the city will keep demanding stricter safety regulations and reform at the California Public Utilities Commission to ensure such tragedy does not happen again.
"Pay your fine and repair your system. Let's get on with it," Ruane said.
The mayor is seeking a $3.8 billion penalty against PG&E, while the CPUC has been pushing for a $2.25 billion fine. A decision on the fine is expected later this year.
"We will continue to press for a maximum fine and penalty against PG&E. We will continue to press for an independent monitor; $5 million per year for a California pipeline safety trust," he said.
Ruane said the trust will function as an impartial advocate for pipeline safety.
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