9. Limitations on Public Information

Like The Utility Reform Network (TURN), we seek the "greatest amount of public participation as is feasible under the circumstances" in this proceeding.⁷ While we share this objective, we are also limited by the requirements placed on data obtained from other state and federal agencies and the legitimate public security interest in restricting access to pipeline location information. We intend to employ all means at our disposal to make useful information available, while respecting limitations. Where necessary, we will encourage the parties to use summarized or redacted documents, and other such devices to distribute the maximum amount of relevant information. Such determinations will almost necessarily be made on a case-by-case basis.

What we will not tolerate is litigation-inspired attempts to either withhold information relevant to public safety, or conversely, misuse of the rulemaking process as a means to gather information for civil litigation. We expect all entities with information relevant to our inquiry to make all such information conveniently available to our staff, and to identify and bring forward pertinent facts and documents that have a bearing on safety issues. To be specific, all persons and entities have an affirmative obligation to bring evidence, information, data, or any other item that has or may have a bearing on safe operations of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines to the attention of this Commission.

⁷ Motion of TURN and Consumer Federation of California for a Coordinated and Public Investigation of Factors Leading to the San Bruno and Similar Catastrophes and Appropriate Preventative and Remedial Measures, filed in Application 09-12-020 at 4 (January 26, 2011).