Dean Johnson Comments for Christian Science Monitor on PG&E Indictments
Dean Kevin R. Johnson commented for the Christian Science Monitor on a federal grand jury's indictment of Pacific Gas & Electric Company in connection with a natural gas explosion that killed eight people in San Bruno, California in 2010. Dean Johnson said that it may be difficult for prosecutors to prove that PG&E "knowingly and willfully" ignored problems with the gas pipeline that ruptured and caused the disaster.
"It is extremely rare for federal prosecutors to charge a public utility for deaths in an accident," said Dean Johnson. "The key will be the proverbial one of 'what PG&E knew and when,' especially with respect to violating the Pipeline Safety Act and the dangers flowing from any violation."
Kevin R. Johnson is Dean and Mabie-Apallas Professor of Public Interest Law and Chicana/o studies at UC Davis School of Law. He is an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of immigration law and policy, refugee law, and civil rights.