AG Bonta issued a consumer alert following the Governor’s declaration of state of emergency in response to an overheating tank of methyl methacrylate at an aerospace plastics facility in Garden Grove, California. Beginning May 21, a chemical storage tank containing approximately 5,000 to 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a volatile and highly flammable liquid, began heating up and emitting toxic fumes at a GKN Aerospace facility in the City of Garden Grove within Orange County. Tens of thousands of residents from surrounding areas have been evacuated amid the possibility of the tank spilling or exploding. In today’s alert, Attorney General Bonta reminds all Californians that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. Californians who believe they have been the victim of price gouging should report it to their local authorities or to the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report. To view a list of all price gouging restrictions currently in effect as a result of proclamations by the Governor, please visit the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Price Gouging webpage. 

“Amid the developing situation in Orange County, I urge residents in the impacted area to stay alert, follow all evacuation orders immediately, and monitor official channels for critical updates. California’s price gouging law protects people impacted by an emergency from illegal price gouging on housing, gas, food, and other essential supplies. If you see price gouging, I encourage you to immediately file a complaint with my office online at oag.ca.gov/report or contact your local police department or sheriff’s office. Stay safe, California.” -AG Bonta