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385757 18: The Kern River Oil Field is blanketed with pumps, February 16, 2001, near Oildale, CA. In recent months the state Coastal Commission has been battling the federal government in a lawsuit over offshore oil exploration. Central California oil fields extend from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the Channel Islands off Santa Barbara. (Photo by David McNew/Newsmakers)

385757 18: The Kern River Oil Field is blanketed with pumps, February 16, 2001, near Oildale, CA. In recent months the state Coastal Commission has been battling the federal government in a lawsuit over offshore oil exploration. Central California oil fields extend from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the Channel Islands off Santa Barbara. (Photo by David McNew/Newsmakers)