Assemblymember Janet Nguyen was joined by Senator Pat Bates in demanding a full investigation by the Office of Pipeline Safety within the US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) on the recent Orange County Oil Spill. You can view the letter that was sent HERE.
“There are still so many unanswered questions,” said Assemblymember Janet Nguyen. “I represent one of the most beautiful stretches of the California coastline and will do whatever it takes to protect it in order for Californians to continue to be able to enjoy it for years to come. That includes getting to the bottom of why this happened in an expeditious, comprehensive and transparent investigation.”
Senator Patricia “Pat” Bates said, “We must protect the interests of residents and businesses that rely on our coast for commerce and recreation. Assemblymember Nguyen and I will continue to work to find answers, ensure transparency and accountability, and help affected communities recover from the spill.”
It has been reported that the oil spill has grown to 144,000 gallons and Orange County beaches have been shut down from Huntington Beach to Dana Point. Harbors in Newport Beach and Dana Point have also been closed to all boat traffic. Bolsa Chica State Beach has just been added to the soft closure list. The spill’s origin is believed to be about four miles offshore along a 17.5-mile pipeline that is 80 to 100 feet below the surface.
The resources on-scene include 511 response personnel, 11 spill response vessels and 5 aircraft. Approximately 5,544 gallons of oil has been retrieved. Over 2,000 people have registered to volunteer for this Pipeline P00547 Incident.
“We are asking for a full investigation so that we can better understand the situation and the impacts it’s having on our constituents and our beautiful coastline. Our constituents are demanding answers, and we have an obligation as their representatives to get that information to them,” said Assemblymember Janet Nguyen.
On Monday, Assemblymember Janet Nguyen sent Governor Gavin Newsom a letter asking that he declare a State of Emergency to streamline state and federal funding to resolve the oil spill. Governor Newsom responded and announced the State of Emergency the next day on Tuesday.