California’s War on Oil Actually Harms the Environment

 The conflict in California's energy policy, particularly its ban on offshore oil drilling despite the state having significant oil reserves. It argues that the ban may worsen environmental issues and energy dependency.

1. Oil Reserves Off California:

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management reported that up to 10 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil are located just off the West Coast, mainly near Southern California. Despite this, state officials aim to shut down existing oil operations.

2. Santa Barbara's Ban:

The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recently banned new drilling and phases out existing operations, complicating efforts for companies like Sable Offshore Corp. to extract offshore oil.

3. Alternative Transport Method:

Sable Offshore Corp. is considering transferring oil directly to ocean-going tankers from offshore rigs, bypassing state regulations. Their success may impact federal decisions on new drilling leases off California.

4. Contrast with Wind Energy:

California is promoting the development of large offshore wind farms, expected to produce substantial energy. However, the article questions whether this effort presents more environmental problems than a few oil rigs and whether it can match the energy output from oil.

5. Oil vs. Wind Energy Production:

The potential output from the suggested offshore wind farms (20 gigawatts) could yield only five exajoules over 20 years. In comparison, 10 billion barrels of oil could provide 61 exajoules, highlighting the greater energy potential of oil.

6. Reliance on Imported Oil:

California imports over 75% of its oil while relying heavily on oil and natural gas for its energy needs. The article emphasizes the irony as the state has significant in-state oil reserves but continues to depend on foreign sources with poorer environmental practices.

7. Environmental Considerations:

The article argues that oil extraction in California could be environmentally beneficial. It states that methane leakage is primarily a natural occurrence due to seismic activity rather than a result of oil drilling.

8. Policy Implications:

To effectively reduce natural oil and methane seepage in the state, extracting oil from the reserves might be necessary. However, the article suggests that California's policymakers are unlikely to accept this approach.

California's energy policies appear contradictory, as the state aims to phase out oil drilling while simultaneously pushing for large offshore wind projects. This stance may not only harm California's environmental goals but also exacerbate the state's reliance on imported petroleum. The article calls for a reevaluation of these policies, proposing that responsible oil extraction could benefit both the state's economy and the environment. 

https://amgreatness.com/2025/11/26/californias-war-on-oil-harms-the-environment/