Study challenges California’s green energy agenda, citing natural oil seeps as climate culprits – NaturalNews.com

• California study suggests natural oil seeps contribute more methane emissions than drilling operations.
• Oil production may reduce seep emissions by depleting reservoirs, challenging climate policies.
• Over 120,000 abandoned wells could be exacerbating leaks, causing debate over environmental vs. economic priorities.
• Researchers highlight data gaps in measuring seep emissions, hampering effective regulation.
• Tensions rise over balancing emissions reduction, health risks and energy independence goals.

When environmental advocates call for ending oil drilling to slash emissions, they may be ignoring a critical reality: California’s methane problem might not stem from rigs, but from nature itself. A controversial UC Berkeley-led study argues that natural oil seeps—geological features emitting 50 times more methane than equipment leaks—are driving the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Professor Jamie Rector’s team concludes that continued drilling could paradoxically reduce these seep emissions, while current regulations prioritizing well shutdowns risk unintended consequences.

A surprising solution: Drilling to reduce methane emissions

For decades, activists have blamed oil drilling for air pollution and climate change. But Rector’s study flips that narrative, suggesting that halting production could worsen emissions by failing to address natural seeps. Over one billion barrels of recoverable oil lie trapped beneath Southern California’s fault-riddled terrain, creating pathways where methane escapes through seeps.

Rector’s team found that natural seeps and abandoned wells produce roughly 500,000 kilograms of methane daily—compared to just 10,000 from equipment leaks. “The only way to stop seeps is by producing oil,” Rector emphasized, urging policymakers to rethink bans on drilling. “We’re increasing seep emissions by shutting down the industry.”

This conclusion aligns with historical data: oil production near Santa Barbara’s Coal Oil Point virtually eliminated methane venting from seeps within weeks of a new well’s installation. The region’s famous La Brea Tar Pits, emissions hotspots, offer a stark reminder that California’s geology itself is a fossil fuel powerhouse.

Geological insights and environmental irony

California’s unique tectonic activity fuels its hydrocarbon-rich basins. The Los Angeles Basin alone, now home to 3 million residents, once supplied vast oil fields. Early explorers like “smellers” tracked seeps to find strikes. Today, those same seeps contribute to pollution, particularly in low-income communities near dormant wells.

Yet, Rector argues, plugging idle wells—a centerpiece of state policy—does little to curb seepage. Many old wells were sealed improperly, creating “anthropogenic seeps” that leak methane unabated. Investment in new drilling, he insists, would both deplete reservoirs and provide taxable revenue, contrasting sharply with California’s proposed 2045 decarbonization target.

Critics like UC Santa Barbara’s Ira Leifer acknowledge Rector’s premise but stress data gaps. “We can’t yet link precise percentages of seep vs. man-made emissions,” Leifer conceded. However, both agree the current approach is flawed, with regulators conflating seepage with oilfield operations.

Health, environmental justice and policy crossroads

Nearby communities, like South L.A., face asthma and cancer risks even as oil production wanes. UC Irvine’s Jill Johnston links respiratory issues and birth defects to proximity to active wells. Yet Rector insists natural seeps, not drillers, pose the greater threat. “Most emissions come from seep hotspots regardless of rigs,” he said.

This disconnect sparks debates over equity. Buffer zones banning drilling near homes aim to protect marginalized residents, but Rector warns these measures ignore the seep danger accompanying California’s geography. “Policies must distinguish between industry fallout and nature’s role,” he said.

Looking ahead: Research meets geopolitical tensions

As California grapples with this dilemma, federal geologists confirm untapped oil reserves could help offset emissions. Recent U.S. Geological Survey reports note 61 million barrels remain in the LA Basin—a fraction of past bonanzas but still substantial. Meanwhile, drilling advocates argue the U.S. needs energy independence amid global instability.

Rector’s research, pending peer review, highlights the urgency of studying seeps’ emissions contribution. Without this clarity, California risks pursuing costly, ineffective bans while real solutions—the very industry it seeks to dismantle—remain overlooked.

California’s tectonic climate crossroads

From Chumash tribes using tar as sealant to today’s methane alarms, California’s relationship with its geology is fraught. Rector’s study forces a hard look at whether reducing oil drilling truly aids climate goals or merely shirks accountability for natural seep impacts. As wildfires ravage the state, the lesson is clear: solving emissions requires understanding the Earth’s depths—not just closing pumping rigs.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

TheEpochTimes.com

USGS.gov