SHERMAN OAKS—Congressman Brad Sherman is one of many people that has been affected by the natural gas leak in the Porter Ranch community. The politician has put together a bill that would prevent future natural gas leaks such as the one that displaced 6,400 families in his community.

The United States Department of Transportations Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has created federal safety regulations for the transportation of natural gas. The department has no current regulations for natural gas storage.

Congressman Sherman’s ‘Gas Safety Storage Act’ would implement tough storage standards and prevent damage and hazards around the United States as a whole.

Over 17 members of Congress have joined Sherman to co-sponsor the bill. Fifteen of the Congress members are from the state of California.

“I am glad that 17 of my colleagues have joined me in introducing legislation to improve gas storage safety,” said Congressman Sherman. “My legislation is a backstop, if the relevant federal agency does not adopt regulations using its current authority, this bill will force them to act.”

The following is a complete list of the cosponsors:

Jared Huffman (CA-2)
John Garamendi (CA-3)
Mike Thompson (CA-5)
Doris Matsui (CA-6)
Anna Eshoo (CA-18)
Zoe Lofgren (CA-19)
Sam Farr (CA-20)
Julia Brownley (CA-26)
Judy Chu (CA-27)
Tony Cardenas (CA-29)
Grace Napolitano (CA-32)
Xavier Becerra (CA-34)
Mark Takano (CA-41)
Loretta Sanchez (CA-46)
Alan Lownenthal (CA-47)
Mark Pocan (WI-2)
Raul Grijalva (AZ-3)