Chevron, a California-based energy giant, has reached an agreement to pay more than $13 million in fines for multiple oil spills in the state. The fines are associated with various incidents, including a significant spill in 2019 in Kern County.
The company has agreed to pay a $5.6 million fine related to the 2019 oil spill in Kern County, which saw over 800,000 gallons (3 million litres) of oil and water released into a canyon. While Chevron has already covered the cleanup costs for this spill, the fine will now contribute to the state Department of Conservation's efforts to plug old and orphaned wells.
This $5.6 million fine marks the largest penalty ever imposed by the Department of Conservation in its history. The department's Director, David Shabazian, emphasized that this agreement underscores California's commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels and ensuring that oil companies adhere to the state's regulations and environmental protections.
In addition to the 2019 spill, Chevron has agreed to pay a separate $7.5 million fine for more than 70 smaller spills that occurred between 2018 and 2023. These incidents resulted in the release of over 446,000 gallons (1.6 million litres) of oil and more than 1.48 million gallons (5.6 million litres) of water. The spills had a detrimental impact on wildlife, causing harm to at least 63 animals and affecting approximately 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of habitat.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Office of Spill Prevention and Response highlighted that this $7.5 million fine is the largest administrative penalty it has ever imposed. The majority of the funds will be allocated to projects aimed at acquiring and preserving habitat. Additionally, a portion of the fine will support the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and assist in responding to future oil spills.
Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham emphasized the state's commitment to holding businesses accountable for oil spills that contaminate waterways and harm the environment. Chevron has not yet provided a comment in response to the fines.
