California Declares State of Emergency as Oil Spill Threatens Environment

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Monday following a massive oil spill which continues to pose threats to the environment. It’s already been a week since a pipeline leaked 140,000 gallons of oil into the Pacific Ocean via Huntington Beach. Now, the residents, environment, and wildlife of Southern California are paying the price.

Breaking: First view of major oil Spill off of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Booms deployed. Beaches closed @Pacific_Airshow cancelled #oilspill #orangecounty @latimes @latimesphotos pic.twitter.com/RkN09YTBjS

— Allen J. Schaben (@alschaben) October 3, 2021

Less than 5,000 gallons of oil have been recovered as of Tuesday, according to NPR. But what exactly caused the spill? Investigations are ongoing, but officials report that an underwater pipeline displaced, causing the leak to occur.

But the pipeline – which was built in the 1970s and ’80s – was supposed to be monitored 24/7. As a result, questions are arising as to why the response team took so long this time around.

Breaking: Oil Spill off of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach is classified as a major spill, per HB fire officials. Booms have been deployed. Beaches closed @cbsla #oilspill #orangecounty

— michele gile (@michelegiletv) October 3, 2021

With cleanup underway, concern has shifted to affected marine life and local birds who rely on the now oil-ridden beaches of Southern California. Nearly 90 species of birds call the Huntington Beach area home and need the resources to prepare to fly south for winter. Between climate change and loss of habitat, marine birds and shorebirds are already vulnerable.

“This spill — in virtually the same spot as a devastating 1990 spill — is a reminder that petroleum and water are a dangerous mix along California’s precious coast,”  Sarah Rose, executive director of Audubon California, explained in a statement. “And that continued reliance on oil kills birds and other wildlife, threatens our public health, and harms local economies and recreational opportunities.” 

We recovered 8 oiled birds today in the spill area in Orange County. 3 are receiving veterinary care (including this sanderling). A brown pelican was humanely euthanized, having injuries unrelated to the incident. More updates will be posted to https://t.co/5Dh3kEQkgN#OCspill pic.twitter.com/v6Szbv7xO9

— Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) (@oiledwildlife) October 5, 2021

This also brings up the need to shift away from fossil fuels. In his declaration of emergency, Gov. Newsom pledged to rid the state of harmful drilling by 2045.

“California continues to lead the nation in phasing out fossil fuels and combating the climate crisis,” Newsom said, according to US Weekly. “This incident serves as a reminder of the enormous cost fossil fuels have on our communities and the environment.”

This is terrible but not surprising. Where you drill you spill. It’s passed time to end our dirty, deadly, planet-killing addiction to fossil fuel. #OilSpill https://t.co/4VXS7eFl7Y

— Rep. Jared Huffman (@JaredHuffman) October 3, 2021

But if action isn’t taken soon, the damage may already be done. Researchers who studied the events of Deepwater Horizon in 2011 warned of the “loss of the ecosystem entirely,” according to Vox.

So what happens now? As of Wednesday, the beaches of Southern California remain closed to residents. Additionally, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley gave a stark statement: “Please don’t go down and try to help. We’re not taking volunteers yet.”

Anyone who finds oiled wildlife should call 1-877-823-6926. Follow along with this ongoing story on Twitter.