In response to the major earthquakes in the Ridgecrest area, Calif. Assemblyman Rudy Salas has introduced a bill in the California State Assembly that would require seismic gas shutoff devices in any newly constructed or renovated California residential structures.
According to KGET 17’s Joseph Luiz, last year’s earthquakes led to gas line leaks and multiple home fires. AB1923, if passed, would require the California Building Standards Commission to adopt building standards to requite shutoff devices in the next triennial edition of the California Building Standards Code in 2021.
“When an earthquake happens, many people are not able to turn off their natural gas lines before losing everything in a fire,” Salas said. “During an emergency, individuals are focused on trying to keep their families and loved ones safe. This bill will help prevent the outbreak of gas leaks and deadly fires during earthquakes and free up emergency responders to help those in critical need.”
