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A member of the state Assembly from Southern California plans to hold a hearing in January on Southern California Gas Co.’s response to a gas leak in Aliso Canyon that has forced the evacuation of thousands of Porter Ranch residents.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Glendale) was named chairman of the Utilities and Commerce Committee on Tuesday. He’s planning to hold a hearing next month in or near Porter Ranch that would give residents an opportunity to question officials with the gas company and state regulatory agencies.

“I think the Legislature, and definitely this committee, is the most appropriate entity to open an inquiry into this. We have the power to subpoena records. We can put witnesses under oath,” Gatto said.

“We want to give them a forum and an opportunity to provide their ideas and ask questions they want to ask.”

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