Federal judge blocks ExxonMobil’s crude trucking plan in Central California.
ExxonMobil Loses Bid to Transport Crude Oil, Judge Upholds Permit Denial
In a blow to ExxonMobil, the energy giant’s latest attempt to transport millions of barrels of crude oil from offshore platforms off the central California coast to state refineries has been denied. Judge Dolly Gee in the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles rejected the company’s request for summary judgment, upholding Santa Barbara County’s decision to deny ExxonMobil a permit to restart offshore oil production platforms and transport oil by tanker truck through central California.
The county supervisors expressed concerns about the potential for oil spills and accidents along trucking routes, particularly on State Route 166, a narrow two-lane highway with challenging terrain and limited passing lanes. ExxonMobil estimated that around 70 trucks would be used daily to transport the oil.
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The legal battle between ExxonMobil and Santa Barbara County began after the county denied the company’s permit in May 2022. ExxonMobil accused the supervisors of abusing their discretion and not considering the permit on its own merits, but rather as a referendum on offshore crude oil production.
ExxonMobil’s troubles in Santa Barbara County started in 2015 when a pipeline owned by Plains All American Pipeline ruptured, causing a massive crude oil spill on Refugio Beach and into the Pacific Ocean. The spill, which affected a biologically diverse area, led to the closure of offshore drilling platforms, beaches, and recreational activities.
Since the spill, ExxonMobil has been unable to use its pipelines for oil transportation and halted production in the county. The company sought a permit in 2017 to transport crude oil by truck to processing plants in Santa Maria or Kern County. Additionally, ExxonMobil aimed to restart a production unit in Santa Ynez, reopen a processing facility, and resume operations on three offshore platforms.
The federal judge ruled that ExxonMobil did not have a vested right to transport oil by truck, as the original permit only allowed transportation through pipelines. The judge stated that the county’s decision was supported by substantial evidence regarding traffic safety.
Environmental groups celebrated the judge’s decision, emphasizing the potential dangers and risks associated with ExxonMobil’s plan. Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, expressed relief and highlighted the numerous accidents involving tanker trucks along the proposed route in recent years.
ExxonMobil has not provided a comment on the ruling.
What are the concerns and opposition faced by ExxonMobil in their oil production and transport activities, and how do these challenges reflect the increasing scrutiny and tougher regulations on the fossil fuel industry
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ExxonMobil has been facing increasing scrutiny and opposition from environmental groups, local communities, and lawmakers over its oil production and transport activities. The company’s attempt to restart offshore oil production platforms off the central California coast was met with strong resistance, with concerns over potential ecological damage and harm to marine life. Furthermore, the transportation of oil by tanker truck through central California raised significant safety concerns among the county supervisors. The narrow, winding highways coupled with heavy traffic pose substantial risks for accidents and oil spills, further exacerbating the opposition to ExxonMobil’s plans. In her ruling, Judge Dolly Gee emphasized the importance of considering environmental impacts and public safety when making decisions on oil production and transport permits. She stated that Santa Barbara County’s decision to deny ExxonMobil a permit was made based on thorough evaluations of potential risks and in the interest of protecting the community and the environment. This ruling comes at a time when California is intensifying its efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and tackle climate change. The state has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources. In line with these objectives, California is taking steps to tighten regulations on oil production and transport to mitigate environmental risks and promote sustainable practices. ExxonMobil’s loss in this bid to transport crude oil reminds us of the increasing challenges faced by the fossil fuel industry. As global concerns about climate change and environmental impacts grow, companies like ExxonMobil face mounting opposition and tougher regulations. This decision also highlights the importance of local communities and their ability to influence and shape energy policies and projects that directly impact their lives and environment. The denial of ExxonMobil’s permit reinforces the notion that lasting solutions to our energy needs require careful consideration of the environmental, public health, and safety aspects. It serves as a reminder that the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future necessitates not just changes in technology and infrastructure, but also comprehensive evaluations of the potential risks and benefits associated with each energy project. ExxonMobil is one of the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas companies. Founded in 1999 through the merger of Exxon and Mobil, the company operates in all aspects of the oil and gas industry, including exploration, production, refining, and marketing. With its headquarters in Irving, Texas, ExxonMobil operates in multiple countries around the world and has a significant presence in the United States. Santa Barbara County is located along the central coast of California and is known for its scenic coastline, wine country, and diverse ecosystems. The county has a rich history in the oil industry, but in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and reducing the environmental impacts of oil production and transport activities. With its decision to deny ExxonMobil’s permit, Santa Barbara County has underscored its commitment to protecting its communities and environment, while also aligning with California’s broader efforts to transition to a cleaner energy future.About ExxonMobil
About Santa Barbara County
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