December 3, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Officials Puts Pressure State to Close Natural Gas Storage Facility in Playa Del Rey

Culver City Council asking state for timeline and plan for closure

By Toi Creel

Lawmakers are calling on the state of California to develop a timeline and plan for closing the SoCal natural gas storage facility in Playa Del Rey.

On March 8th, Culver City City Council voted to approve a resolution calling on the state to present a timeline and plan for the closure of the facility, one known for leaks and blowouts. The facility had to shut down for a year in 2011 due to several leaks found by state officials. The most recent incident happened in 2013 when a vent stack exploded causing visible flames to shoot up in the air.

“We’ve known for years that natural gas storage facilities like the one at Playa del Rey do not have a future in our energy system or in our neighborhoods,” said Ethan Senser, Southern California Organizer for Food & Water Watch. “It’s time that we started planning for that reality at Playa del Rey. While SoCalGas squeezes out profit from the gas field, residents, workers, and the public at large are left as afterthoughts. Governor Newsom has a responsibility to put the needs of the community first by following Culver City’s lead and committing to building real solutions for the safe, fair and equitable transition away from natural gas.”

In addition this week the L.A. City Council Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee voted to advance Councilmember Mike Bonin’s motion calling for a just transition plan from the State to shut down the Playa del Rey gas facility. with Similar language was used in Culver City.

The Playa del Rey oil field was converted to a gas storage field by the SoCalGas in 1955. Although primarily used for gas storage, SoCalGas continues to produce oil and gas from the oil field. The proximity to residential areas has also remained a point of concern. The facility, once located far away from residents, is now in the vicinity of homes. This increases the possible amount of harm caused if natural gas were to leak opponents of the facility say.

The trend of municipalities moving towards renewable energy is also a force behind the move.

“Most decision-makers get overwhelmed with the enormity of the necessary task of moving away from fossil fuels, but Culver City shows the way, taking one step at a time,” said Marcia Hanscom, Executive Director of Ballona Institute.

in News
Related Posts

Employee Fights Suspect Breaking Into Santa Monica Restaurant

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

A Mere Week After the Business Underwent Extensive Renovations and a Grand Reopening By Zach Armstrong A mere week after...

Venice Shorts: From 50’s Greaser to Successful Businessman & Homeless Advocate

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Local Brian Ulf Looks Back Fondly on His Part in the Robert Stigwood Blockbuster, Grease! By Nick Antonicello For Brian...

Venice Shorts: Horvath Homeless Staffers Address Encampment Conditions at Boardwalk

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

VNC Homelessness Committee Hears From County Officials on Proposed Pilot Program That Yields More Questions Than Answers! By Nick Antonicello...

Holiday Pub Crawl Coming to Santa Monica

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

More Than 20 Bars and Restaurants Will Offer Exclusive $6-$9 Food and Drink Specials By Zach Armstrong The holidays are...

Kamala Harris Highlights Venice Bakery on Small Business Saturday

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

Harris Is Seen Ordering and Enjoying Some of the Restaurant’s Chilaquiles By Zach Armstrong Vice President and former California U.S....

Venice Shorts: Taqueria Chihuahua, the Locals Choice for Tacos!

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

With Over 300 Reviews on Yelp, Taqueria Chihuahua Scores 4.1 Out of 5 By Nick Antonicello I never had Mexican...

Ribbon-Cutting Event to Celebrate New & Improved Bike Paths

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

The Recently Finished Safe Streets for 17th Street and Michigan Avenue Project Aims to Enhance Bike and Pedestrian Safety On...

Annual Venice Holiday Sign Lighting Coming This Weekend

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

The Event Is Set to Include Photo-Ops With Santa, Carnival Games, Free Food and Drinks and Live Performances The 12th...

(Video) Downtown SM Eatery Closes Its Doors

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

The Watering Hole Located at 205 Broadway Has an Inactive Website @yovenicenews The eatery, located at 205 Broadway, has an...

VENICE SHORTS: TENTS REAPPEAR ON ROSE AVENUE!

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

New tents and encampments southeast of WHOLE FOODS negate most recent cleanup.  By Nick Antonicello  The sidewalk on Rose Avenue...

Venice Shorts: Incinerated RV Found on Main Street

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Burned out vehicles plague this exhausted neighborhood. By Nick Antonicello  The situation on the streets of Venice remains dangerous and...

“Grandmother of the Internet” Sharla Boehm’s Home Lists for $5.45M

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

She Passed Away Earlier This Year Shortly After the Death of Her Husband By Zach Armstrong A five-bedroom, five-bathroom $5.45...

(Video) All’antico Vinaio, the legendary Florentine sandwich shop is now open in Venice

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Located at 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, lines have been around the block since the restaurant officially opened on November 20th....

Renowned Architect’s Final Work Lists in Venice at Over $4M

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Celebrated for His Contributions to Modern Architecture, He Poured His Vision and Expertise Into This Creation Before His Passing in...

Venice Home Built in 1906 on Market for $1.8M

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

While Preserving Its Original 1906 Floor-Plan, the Property Has Undergone Significant Enhancements In the heart of Venice lies a three-bedroom...