CALIFORNIA REGULATORY JUDGES HAVE FINED PG&E OVER $1 BILLION FOR THE PREVENTABLE GAS PIPELINE EXPLOSION THAT KILLED EIGHT PEOPLE IN SAN FRANCISCO IN 2010. THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION GAVE THE COMPANY THE FINE YESTERDAY (TUES) FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH MANDATED FEDERAL AND STATE PIPELINE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. $950 MILLION WILL BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE STATE. ANOTHER $400 MILLION WILL GO TOWARD PIPELINE IMPROVEMENTS. THE PENALTY NOW REQUIRES APPROVAL BY MEMBERS OF THE STATE UTILITY BOARD. PG&E HAS 30 DAYS TO APPEAL.
