Huntington Beach oil spill settlement

Huntington Beach has secured a $5.25 million settlement from Amplify Energy for a 2021 oil spill that released 25,000 gallons of crude oil into the ocean, causing significant environmental damage. While city officials hailed the settlement as a positive resolution, dissent arose among some council members who argued it did not adequately compensate taxpayers. City Attorney Michael Gates clarified that the settlement would go directly to the city's general fund without sharing it with other parties who sued Amplify. The contentious city council is divided, with minority members criticizing the deal and claiming it undermines taxpayers, especially given prior obligations related to the canceled Pacific Airshow. The announcement was marred by controversy as microphones were allegedly turned off during dissenting comments, raising questions about transparency in the council's proceedings. Previous settlements related to the incident included a total of $95 million from Amplify and shipping companies linked to the spill.