In Re National SEC. Agency Telecomm. Records
In Re National Security Agency Telecommunications Records Litigation
Opinion
Opinion
Walker, J.
ORDER
On May 26, 2006, plaintiffs brought suit against Verizon Communications, Inc in San Francisco superior court to enjoin Verizon’s alleged disclosure to the National Security Agency (NSA) of telephone calling records of its California residential customers. Doc # 1, 06-3574. Plaintiffs allege these disclosures violate their privacy rights under (i) the California Constitution and (ii) California Public Utilities Code § 2891. Id. A similar suit was brought against AT & T Corporation in San Francisco superior court on May 26, 2006. Doc # 1, 06-3596.
Verizon and AT & T removed these actions to this court on June 5 and 6, 2006, respectively, relying on 28 USC §§ 1441 and 1442. Doc # 1, 06-3574; Doc # 1, 06-3596. Plaintiffs in both actions dispute the propriety of removal and have moved to remand these actions to state court, asserting that none of defendants’ bases for removal creates jurisdiction in this court. Doc # 20, 06-3574;' Doc # 14, 06-3596. On August 4, 2006, the United States filed a “statement of interest” in opposition to plaintiffs’ motions to remand. Doc #44, 06-3574; Doc # 46, 06-3596. For reasons discussed below, thé court DENIES plaintiffs’ motions to…