Emergency legislation to be introduced in response to Porter Ranch gas leak

PORTER RANCH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- New legislative actions were announced Monday in response to the foul-smelling gas leak that has forced thousands from their Porter Ranch homes.

The leak at Southern California Gas Co.'s Aliso Canyon storage facility was first discovered last October. A number of residents have complained of feeling ill, and many have relocated out of the area.

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Monday, several state senators announced a package of legislation, which will include an immediate moratorium on any new injections of gas at the facility. The legislation would also strengthen laws to increase inspections and put into place more safety measures so that leaks are detected quickly.

Some of the emergency legislation is expected to be introduced this week.

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"We needed to have more inspections, more proactive inspections. We need to have a plan as infrastructure ages out, some kind of policy and timeline for replacement," said Sen. Fran Pavley. "Always err on the side of caution, not hoping with your fingers crossed there won't be a problem."

Pavley's district includes the Porter Ranch community.

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SoCal Gas said last week that it will attempt to capture the gas and burn it off or run it through charcoal filters to help mitigate some of the smell.

But as partial relief is on the way, officials said it will still take several months before the leaking well is capped.