“A 2012 plan prepared by the pipeline’s operator Beta Offshore and obtained by NBC News said that a full cut in the pipeline three miles from shore could release roughly 3,000 barrels, or 126,000 gallons, of oil. It described such a situation as a ‘worst case’ scenario that could cause ‘significant and substantial harm to the environment’ because ‘of its proximity to navigable waters and adjoining shoreline areas designated as environmentally sensitive.'” Oil spill off California coast closes pipeline, prompts warnings of ecological disaster.

+ NPR: A massive oil spill in the Pacific Ocean has reached the Southern California coast. (This is going to be a big story.)