Utility regulators turn to Marine on safety

By Morgan Lee Thursday, April 5, 2012

State utility regulators have announced the appointment of a retired Marine to oversee safety and consumer protection efforts.

The California Public Utilities Commission has stepped up its oversight of gas-pipeline safety in response to the deadly 2010 pipeline explosion at San Bruno. Brig. Gen. Jack Hagan will direct the Consumer Protection and Safety Division starting April 23, the commission announced late Wednesday.

Hagan leaves his current job as a special agent at the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Investigation. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1999 after 28 years as an active-duty infantry officer.

Recalled to active duty in 2003, Hagan worked at the governor's Office of Homeland Security and later was promoted to brigadier general as commanding general of the California State Military Reserve.

In the wake of the San Bruno explosion, state utility officials have hired more gas inspectors and created a Risk Assessment Unit.

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