Susumo Azano Reflects On Sempra Energy's Defiance of Mexican Authorities

SAN DIEGO, CA, April 01, 2014

Sempra Energy, a natural gas holder based out of San Diego, California, has been embroiled in suspicious operations over the past few years, and Susumo Azano is just one of many people who are keeping their eyes on this company's dealings as it continues to push the limits of federal regulations. Susumo, owner of STDi and one of the leading homeland security business developers in Latin America, has been closely monitoring Sempra Energy's dealings to see what shocking actions it might take next, especially concerning the company's connection to Mexico.

Several years ago, Sempra Energy was forced to close the Energia Costa Azul, LNG Terminal, located outside of Ensenada, Mexico. This liquefied natural gas plant was shut down by local authorities, but Susumo Azano points to an article that discusses its reopening in defiance of federal regulations.

Ensenada rancher Ramon Eugenio Sanchez Ritchie is one of the more vocal protestors who has spoken against the improper reopening of the plant. According to Ritchie, Sempra Energy did not put the Energia Costa Azul plant up to code in order to safely conduct operations. Therefore, it is presenting a viable danger to its employees and the surrounding areas. Regardless of these code violations, Sempra Energy has decided to move forward and reopen the plant, even amid public outcries.

The Ensenada Protective Services Agency and Municipal Police Forces shut down the plant a few years ago; however, the shutdown was temporarily overturned, as the plant resumed its operations. However, a recent court ruling once again places the LNG Plant in danger of permanent closure. Officials stated that, gone unchecked, the liquefied natural gas unit that is currently operating outside of Ensenada will compromise environmental and safety conditions, which could result in natural disaster on a major scale. In fact, one minor error could lead to an occurrence reminiscent of the BP oil spill in the Gulf back in 2010.

This is not the first time that Energia Costa Azul has stirred up controversy. Ever since the plant was proposed and launched, there have been numerous investigations into its operations. The United States Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Securities Exchange Commission have all launched parallel cases regarding various allegations of Sempra Energy's Mexican affiliate indulging in criminal conduct.

These criminal cases stem from a whistleblower lawsuit that was filed in San Diego not long ago. A former high ranking Sempra executive, Rudy Michelon, was responsible and the former director and controller for Sempra Energy's Mexico division. After he was terminated, he brought forth evidence of the company's corruption of public officials, bribery, illegal land seizures, and dozens of environmental violations.

"I am shocked that they are continuing on this path without addressing the rooted underlying issues surrounding the operations of the LNG plant," says Susumo Azano. "Not only are they violating so many environmental codes, but they are also putting local residents at risk if something were to go wrong. I am glad that the new federal government has taken steps toward remedying the situation, and I hope that we see results very soon."

Susumo Azano continues to follow the case of Sempra Energy and is optimistic that the authorities will be able to make an impact on the company's harmful endeavors around Ensenada.

ABOUT:

Susumo Azano is the founder and CEO of STDi, a security company that provides tracking devices for cargo vehicles and wireless network solutions for local governments and telecommunication companies. Susumo Azano has been recognized as the best business developer of Homeland Security projects in Mexico by Oracle and continues to develop technology solutions in Latin America to this day.