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Chevron (CVX) to Pay Settlement Worth $13M for Oil Spills

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Chevron Corporation (CVX - Free Report) , one of the largest oil companies in the world, agreed to pay more than $13 million in fines for a series of oil spills that occurred in California. This penalty reflects the California Department of Conservation's commitment to environmental protection and holds oil companies accountable for their actions.

Kern County Oil Spill: A Devastating Incident

One of the most significant fines imposed on Chevron is associated with a devastating oil spill in Kern County in 2019. The spill, which dumped over 800,000 gallons (3 million liters) of oil and water into a canyon, shook the core of the state's oil industry.

While Chevron has already undertaken the cleanup efforts for this spill, it now faces a $5.6-million fine, marking a substantial punitive measure.

Multiple Spills and Environmental Impact

In addition to the Kern County incident, Chevron has agreed to pay a $7.5-million fine for more than 70 smaller spills that occurred between 2018 and 2023. These spills collectively resulted in the release of over 446,000 gallons (1.6 million liters) of oil and significant environmental damage.

The spills not only impacted wildlife but also disrupted delicate habitats, including 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of salt brush and grassland.

California's Response: Holding Oil Companies Accountable

The fines imposed on Chevron represent a landmark moment in California's environmental policy. David Shabazian, director of the State Department of Conservation, highlighted the significance of this agreement, highlighting California's commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels while enforcing stringent regulations.

Chuck Bonham, director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the state's determination to hold businesses accountable for environmental harm. The unprecedented fines levied against Chevron serve as a testament to California's firm stance on protecting its natural resources.

Utilization of Fine Proceeds: Environmental Restoration

A crucial aspect of the agreement involves the allocation of fine proceeds toward environmental restoration efforts. The Department of Conservation plans to utilize the funds for plugging old and orphaned wells, furthering the state's objectives of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Likewise, the Department of Fish and Wildlife plans to allocate the majority of the fines toward projects aimed at acquiring and preserving habitats.

Additionally, a portion of the funds will support the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, ensuring swift and effective responses to future oil spills.

Conclusion

Chevron's agreement to pay more than $13 million in fines for previous oil spills marks a watershed moment in California's environmental governance. The unprecedented penalties demonstrate the state's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and act as a powerful deterrent to future violations. California sets a precedent for proactive and stringent environmental stewardship by holding oil companies accountable and allocating fine proceeds to environmental restoration projects.

Chevron is a major player in the global energy industry, primarily focusing on oil and gas. It covers the entire oil and gas supply chain, from exploration and production to refining, marketing and transportation. Apart from CVX, a couple of other stocks for investors interested in the energy sector are Enbridge Inc. (ENB - Free Report) , Shell plc (SHEL - Free Report) and Petrobras (PBR - Free Report) .

Enbridge is an energy infrastructure company that operates pipelines, storage facilities, and renewable power generation assets. While ENB offers diversification across the energy sector, it also has a history of environmental incidents like pipeline spills, including a major one in Michigan that polluted a tributary of the Kalamazoo River in 2010.

ENB’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed in the other one, delivering an average surprise of 0.65%.

Shell is a major British oil and gas company headquartered in London. SHEL offers a wide range of energy products and services but also has a history of environmental incidents, including the Santa Barbara oil spill in 1969 and ongoing oil spills in the Nigerian Delta for decades.

SHEL’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed in the other one, delivering an average surprise of 7.55%.

Petrobras is a Brazilian oil and gas company involved in exploration, production, refining, and transportation. Investors considering PBR should be aware of a major offshore oil spill in 2010 that caused significant damage to marine life off the coast of Brazil.

PBR’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed in the other one, delivering an average surprise of 3.75%

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