US Coast Guard Investigating Oil Spill off California Coast
Coast Guard’s Efforts to Identify Oil Spill Source
The U.S. Coast Guard is actively working to pinpoint the source of an oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach, California. The agency discovered a sheen spanning 2.5 miles in length and 0.5 miles in width during a reconnaissance flight at sunrise.
Potential Involvement of Offshore Platforms
The spill, located near two oil drilling platforms, raised suspicions, but it remains unclear if either platform is responsible for the incident. Beta Offshore, a subsidiary of Amplify Energy Corp, reported a potential spill from its Platform Elly, prompting the shutdown of a pipeline.
Amplify Energy’s Response
Despite the reported incident, Amplify Energy denied any connection to the large oil sheen spotted by the Coast Guard. The company previously faced legal consequences for a spill in 2021 and emphasized its commitment to responsible operations.
Call for Regulatory Action
Environmental advocates are urging regulators to take decisive action against outdated offshore infrastructure to prevent future spills. The incident underscores the need for stringent oversight and modernization of oil production facilities.
Challenges in California’s Oil Industry
Exxon Mobil and Chevron recently faced setbacks in California’s declining oil sector, citing regulatory challenges as significant obstacles to their operations. The industry’s struggles highlight the changing landscape of energy production in the state.
