GKN Aerospace was warned. They paid a fine. Then they did it again — and this time 50,000 families paid the price.

In 2024, GKN Aerospace settled a lawsuit with California air quality regulators for nearly $1 million after being accused of emitting toxic and volatile compounds into the air at its Garden Grove facility. The company agreed to pay. It did not agree to fix the problem.

Last week, a failing tank at that same facility containing nearly 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate — a highly flammable toxic chemical — cracked and threatened to either spill or explode. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for nearly 50,000 residents across Garden Grove, Buena Park, Anaheim, Stanton, Westminster and Cypress. Schools closed. Shelters filled to capacity. Families slept in their cars.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has opened a criminal investigation into GKN Aerospace. Good. Now the public needs to make sure that investigation results in real consequences.

A nearly $1 million settlement did not change GKN's behavior. A criminal charge might.

Sign this petition to demand the Orange County District Attorney pursue criminal charges against GKN Aerospace and ensure that companies storing dangerous chemicals in residential communities are held fully accountable when they put lives at risk.