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SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – PG&E Corp. and its subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., pledged to stay focused on building the safest and most reliable natural gas system in the country despite what it expects will be a lengthy legal process after the filing of federal charges over the San Bruno incident.
The charges – which PG&E said have “no merit” – were filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco in connection with the 2010 San Bruno natural gas transmission pipeline accident.
The charges allege that PG&E’s past operating practices violated the federal Pipeline Safety Act in areas such as record keeping, pipeline integrity management and identification of pipeline threats.
PG&E Chairman and CEO Tony Earley, who was brought in to lead PG&E in 2011 after the San Bruno accident, said: “San Bruno was a tragic accident. We've taken accountability and are deeply sorry. We have worked hard to do the right thing for victims, their families and the community, and we will continue to do so. We want all of our customers and their families to know that nothing will distract us from our mission of transforming this 100-plus-year-old system into the safest and most reliable natural gas system in the country.”
PG&E believes that its employees did not intentionally violate the federal Pipeline Safety Act, and that even where mistakes were made, employees were acting in good faith to provide customers with safe, reliable and affordable energy.
Progress since San Bruno
Following the San Bruno accident, California adopted new pipeline safety standards that are among the most rigorous in the nation.
PG&E is making excellent progress toward meeting or exceeding these new standards as well as toward completing implementation of recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Among the actions the company has taken are:
- Committed to spend $2.7 billion of shareholder money to fund safety-related work.
- Completed nine of the 12 safety recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board; of the three remaining recommendations, the NTSB considers PG&E’s progress “open-acceptable response,” which means acceptable pending completion.
- Opened a state-of-the art gas control center in August 2013.
- Validated the maximum allowable operating pressure for all 6,750 miles of gas transmission pipelines.
- Digitized more than 3.5 million paper records associated with transmission lines going back 50 years as part of a program to ensure the accuracy of all records and to provide field technicians with electronic access to them.
- Strength-tested or validated prior strength testing for 657 miles of transmission pipeline.
- Replaced 127 miles of pipeline.
- Retrofitted 268 miles of pipeline to accommodate in-line inspections.
- Installed 134 automated valves on gas transmission pipelines.
In addition, PG&E made structural changes, separating the gas and electric businesses to ensure an appropriate focus on safety, and brought in a new management team to run the gas operations business.
The company has settled claims amounting to nearly $500 million with the victims and families of the San Bruno accident, established a $50 million trust for the City of San Bruno for costs related to recovery and contributed $70 million to support the city’s and community’s recovery efforts.
The 12-count indictment seeks penalties of $500,000 per count.
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CLEARLAKE, Calif. – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) has named Wayne Kurtz Sales Manager for the store in Clearlake.
In this role, Kurtz works closely with sales associates to help them effectively position the value of our products and services to our customers and deliver the best customer experience in the industry.
He has 13 years of retail experience in a leadership role.
“Wayne is passionate about providing the best experience for our customers,” said Erryn Andersen, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in the Northwest market. “At U.S. Cellular, we treat our customers like neighbors, not numbers, and I look forward to him leading our Clearlake associates to show customers how our products and services can simplify and enhance their lives.”
Kurtz resides in Kelseyville with his wife of five years, Livia, and their two daughters, Carmen and Claudia.
In his spare time, Kurtz enjoys spending time with his family, gaming, disc golf and other outdoor activities.
To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com .
To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on www.facebook.com/uscellular , www.twitter.com/uscellular and www.youtube.com/uscellularcorp .
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SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang has launched a completely updated daily tax tracker, detailing the latest totals available for personal income, sales and corporate tax receipts.
The new site, www.scotaxtracker.blogspot.com , will be updated at least three times throughout each business day during the month of April with both preliminary and final (revised) tax collections.
The state controller already publishes a comprehensive monthly report on the state's cash receipts and disbursements, along with summary putting the figures into perspective with the latest news on California's economy.
The controller’s site offers insight and analysis on incoming revenue numbers, along with direct access to the raw tax collection data. Previous versions of the controller's daily tax tracker are also available.
For more information, visit www.sco.ca.gov .
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SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, Assembly Bill 1965 passed the Assembly Health Committee with strong bipartisan support.
Assemblymember Mariko Yamada (D-Davis) authored this measure which permits restaurants to voluntarily allow pet dogs in outdoor seating areas under specified conditions unless a local ordinance determines otherwise.
“This bill, which is supported by the California Restaurant Association, allows willing businesses to serve customers outdoors along with their canine companions,” Yamada stated. “Allowing restaurants the flexibility to serve diners with their dogs without fear from health authorities also saves precious resources for more serious public health concerns.”
In 2012, many dog and restaurant owners in Los Angeles advocated for a change to the outright policy of forbidding dogs – except service dogs – in restaurants.
In response, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health gave Los Angeles restaurants with outdoor dining areas the authority, under certain conditions, to allow dogs in those outside areas.
However, state law still prohibits the presence of all animals other than service animals wherever food is served.
Under current statute, local guidelines like the one in Los Angeles County are not legal.
AB 1965 would allow business owners to voluntarily make the decision that is best for their business without the threat of a citation or other penalty.
The bill does not mandate restaurants to provide this option, but simply makes the potential practice – which is already occurring throughout California – permissible unless prohibited by local ordinance.
“Social Compassion in Legislation is thrilled to sponsor this business and pet friendly legislation,” said Judie Mancuso, president of the statewide animal welfare group. “We have received complaints about this outdated state law for years from dog lovers and restaurant owners alike, and greatly appreciate Assemblywoman Yamada addressing the issue. Many restaurants choose to take their chances and allow dogs on their patios, but it remains illegal. We want to support these businesses that want to welcome our furry friends.”
AB 1965 will be heard next in the Assembly Local Government Committee.
Assemblymember Yamada represents the 4th Assembly District which includes all or parts of Colusa, Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
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