Health & Science

Green Resources

WVPE is your gateway to green and sustainable resources in Michiana. Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This is accomplished by finding a balance between businesses, the environment, and our society (people, planet, and profit).State, National and International resources on sustainability include:The Environmental Protection AgencyThe Natural StepSustainability Dictionary45 Sustainability Resources You Need to Know Explore ways to support sustainability in the Michiana area through the Green Links Directory.Sept. 17, 2019 from 2-3:30pm"Global Warming: A Hot Topic"Sept. 17, 19, 24, and 26All sessions are from 2-3:30pmGreencroft Goshen Community Center in the Jennings Auditorium1820 Greencroft Blvd.Goshen, IN 46526The event will look at possible solutions and suffering as well as consequences beyond warmer weather. The event will examine what other civilizations have or haven’t done when faced with environmental problems. Plus there will be an exploration of the biggest unknown in the climate system: What will the humans do? Paul Meyer Reimer teaches physics, math and climate change at Goshen College. The events are presented by the Lifelong Learning Institute. The Institute can be reached at: (574) 536-8244lifelonglearning@live.comhttp://life-learn.org/

California Company Reaches $119.5 Million Settlement Over Massive Gas Leak

By Camila Domonoske

Published August 8, 2018 at 4:13 PM EDT

Updated at 4:40 p.m. ET

The Southern California Gas Co., or SoCalGas, has agreed to pay $119.5 million in a settlement with several government entities over the company's massive methane natural gas leak in 2015 and 2016.

The settlement still needs to be approved by the courts.

During the months-long leak, the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage well spewed methane into the air. Thousands of people evacuated from Los Angeles suburb of Porter Ranch, as California declared a state of emergency.

One analysis found that the disaster was the largest gas leak in U.S. history.

The $119.5 million settlement deal resolves multiple lawsuits brought by Los Angeles and California government entities — the city attorney's office, the county, the state attorney general and the California Air Resources Board.

"Under the terms of the $119.5 million settlement agreement, SoCalGas will, among other things, reimburse city, county and state governments for costs associated with their response to the leak; establish a program with the California Air Resources Board to mitigate the methane emissions from the leak; and fund local environmental benefit projects to be administered by the government parties," SoCalGas said in a statement.

Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement that there is "no excuse" for the leak, citing its adverse health effects and the disruption it caused for tens of thousands of residents.

He also emphasized the destructive contributions the leak had to greenhouse gas emissions, which drive climate change. The leak released methane, a particularly potent greenhouse gas.

A study found that the leak was equivalent to the total emissions of half a million cars for an entire year.

"California is a leader when it comes to addressing climate change," Becerra said in his statement. "This leak undermined our crucial work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our people and the environment. If approved, this settlement will go a long way in addressing the short and long-term harms attributable to the leak."

The settlement also funds a long-term study of "health impacts the gas leak had on [Porter Ranch] residents," LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said.

The company has already reached a $8.5 million settlement with the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

It paid another $4 million to settle criminal charges.

The company is also facing a flurry of lawsuits from thousands of residents affected by the leak.