"The Carson City (Calif.) Council declared a local emergency Monday night over contamination in the city’s Carousel tract, upping the pressure on Shell Oil to expedite cleanup of benzene, methane gas, and other hazardous chemicals on the site."

"City officials hope the declaration will allow them greater authority to order the oil company to complete the cleanup of a former oil tank farm, or give them access to assistance from state and federal officials.

The action prompted raucous applause and cheers from the audience, which included famed environmental activist Erin Brockovich."

Christine Mai-Duc reports for the Los Angeles Times July 30, 2013. [2]