Government Code § 8670.67.5

(a) Regardless of intent or negligence, any person who causes or permits a spill shall be strictly liable civilly in accordance with subdivision (b) or (c).

(b) A penalty may be administratively imposed by the administrator in accordance with Section 8670.68 in an amount not to exceed twenty dollars ($20) per gallon for a spill.

(c) Whenever the release of oil resulted from gross negligence or reckless conduct, the administrator shall, in accordance with Section 8670.68, impose a penalty in an amount not to exceed sixty dollars ($60) per gallon for a spill.