PG&E pleaded not guilty to 12 felony charges on Monday, following a deadly gas explosion in Northern California that killed eight, injured 66, and destructed 38 residences over three years ago, The San Jose Mercury News reported.
The company might also be forced pay over $6 million in penalties, if the United States District Court in San Francisco feels PG&E profited or was able to keep funds because of illegitimate improper behavior, the Associated Press reported.
"San Bruno was a tragic accident that caused a great deal of pain for many people. We're accountable for that and make no excuses. Most of all, we are deeply sorry," PG&E wrote in a press release after the arraignment, The Mercury News reported. "While we don't believe any employee intentionally violated federal pipeline safety regulations, the legal process will ensure that all of the facts related to this tragic event are fully reviewed."
According to AP, prosecutors in the case claimed PG&E depended on inaccurate and deficient facts while looking at the pipeline's safety levels.
"The legal process will ensure that all of the facts related to this tragic event are fully reviewed," the company continued in the statement.
No worker at the company is known to have infringed upon United States government laws, although prosecutors might submit an updated indictment depending on what they find during the investigation, according to the Associated Press.
San Bruno, Calif officials said they were pleased with the decision, and believed PG&E employees deserve the charges brought against them.
"We look forward to PG&E being fined the maximum amount allowed by law to send a message not only to that corporation, but to the industry," Connie Jackson, city manager for the city of San Bruno told AP. "Individuals within the corporation certainly had responsibility for making decisions ... that led to the disaster in San Bruno."
According to AP, it is not common, but is possible for gas companies to be given charges related to infringing safety laws.
