Heal the Ocean Receives $500,000 in State Funds by Senator Monique Limón

Senator Monique Limón, alongside Assemblymember Hart, presented $500,000 to support Heal the Ocean’s Summerland Oil Mitigation Study (SOMS) on Tuesday.

The study aims to ensure accurate and consistent mapping of oil seeps and leaks along the Central Coast. While work began this summer, this marks the first State Budget funding this project will receive. 

“Oil seeps and leaks continue to present problems to the safety and wellbeing of our community. This project will provide our state with insight on ways to protect our environment and communities from the impacts of the fossil fuel industry,” said Senator Limón.

The SOMS Study will investigate potential oil seeps and leaks that are taking place beneath the sand. This study will also help the state determine the best approach to the re-abandonment of legacy wells.

“I am proud to join Senator Limón in supporting Heal the Ocean’s work to further investigate and address pollution from abandoned oil wells along the Summerland coast,” said Assemblymember Hart. “This stretch of coastline was the birthplace of offshore oil drilling more than 100 years ago, and today, it will be a model for clean-up and restoration.”

As California continues to move away from the use of fossil fuels, studies like this can be critical in ensuring the capping of oil wells is done in the most environmentally sound way possible. 

“Thanks to Senator Monique Limón for accessing funds from the State of California,” said Harry Rabin, Program Director of Heal the Ocean. “This collaborative study, along with crucial guidance from State Lands, will assist with future well abandonment planning and implementing the best solutions as we move forward to tackle a difficult and persistent problem with Summerland’s nearshore wells.”