McOsker Looks to Amortize San Pedro Gas Storage Facility

LOS ANGELES – Councilmember Tim McOsker introduced a motion today requesting an amortization study for the Rancho LPG Facility, a butane and propane storage facility located adjacent to residential, educational, and commercial areas of San Pedro. The use has been in operation since 1973.

“Many motions have been introduced regarding this site, with the end goal being the same, ending the storage of butane and propane at Rancho LPG,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker. “Similar to the City experience and response to oil drilling in the city limits, an amortization study will allow us to evaluate and effectuate real change as we seek an end to the current use at the Rancho LPG facility.”

In 2022, the Los Angeles City Council voted to ban new oil drilling in the city and require all existing oil extractions to phase out production pursuant to an amortization study. However, the oil drilling study would not apply the Rancho LPG use which is storage of butane and propane.

Due to the continued community concern for environmental and public health and safety – McOsker is seeking an amortization study to provide the expert information that can lead to the termination of the use and help address the remediation of the site for the safety of local residents and the greater Los Angeles community.

According to a 2023 petition to the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the San Pedro Peninsula Homeowners United, Inc. and the Tongva Ancestral Territorial Tribal Nation, studies have indicated that a catastrophic incident at the Rancho LPG Facility, with a release of butane, could potentially cause more than 2,500 deaths, and 12,500 injuries and also major destruction for the Port of Los Angeles and its related infrastructure.

McOsker’s motion was seconded by Councilmember Heather Hutt and was referred to the Energy & Environment Committee.