Field Life Outlook

The City’s primary goal for the Wilmington Field is to maximize the economic production remaining in the reservoir, applying sound engineering principles while maintaining safe surface elevations and full regulatory compliance. That work builds on nearly a century of continuous operations.

At the same time, the City is preparing for the field’s long-term future. As part of the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), studies have examined lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with oil and gas extraction within city boundaries, with both short-term and long-term emissions reduction recommendations. Additional work has assessed environmental justice considerations, potential social costs, and sea level rise impacts as they relate to Long Beach Unit operations.

A separate ongoing study is examining the regulatory, legal, financial, and policy options associated with ending oil and gas operations within the City. Another study is focused on the cost and operational requirements for managing ground stability once extraction ends.

The City’s commitment is to manage today’s operations responsibly while planning honestly and transparently for the transition ahead.