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Lead CPUC Lawyer Recused From PG&E San Bruno Explosion Case

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- The lead attorney for California's utility regulator has recused himself from the agency's investigation into how much Pacific Gas & Electric Co. should be fined for the deadly pipeline explosion in San Bruno.

The California Public Utilities Commission announced Wednesday that Frank Lindh, a former PG&E attorney, had recused himself as chief advisory attorney.

The announcement comes after Lindh reassigned commission attorneys who were the main experts on case.

The attorneys had disagreed with the CPUC's safety division chief, Jack Hagan, over the fine amount. Hagan argued the money PG&E had already paid for repairs and system upgrades was enough.

Lindh will be replaced by Arocles Aguilar, a retired commission attorney. The attorneys removed from the case previously will be put back on it.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

 

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