Plains All American Crimal Court Case Continues

The criminal case against Plains All American Pipeline company went back to court for their part in the Refugio oil spill.

At this time last year the State beach was recovering from the toxic oil spill. Now, the pipeline owner and its employee are fighting criminal charges in court. Fourty-six criminal charges were handed down by a grand jury against Plains All American. The company is attacking the case on a few key points:

. Getting charges against employee James Buchanan tossed out.
. Moving the case out of Santa Barbara.
. And get the transcripts sealed.

“I think we went in there anticipating a ruling on the motion but obviously the court needed to take more time and more evidence on the motion to seal before the court makes a decision,” said Kevin Weichbrod, Santa Barbara County District Attorney.

The District Attorneys office expects to oppose any effort to move the case out of Santa Barbara.

“We will likely oppose that motion, but it’s something we will have to consider and look at their motion and see what kinds of issues that they bring,” said Weichbrod.

Plains was indicted by a Santa Barbara County Grand Jury. Transcripts of those hearings include the names of witnesses and other statements. Plains wants all of it sealed so no one can get access to the documents.

The pipeline company refused to speak on camera, but sent this statement:

“Plains All American Pipeline sincerely regrets the accidental Line 901 release and the resulting impact on the community, the environment and wildlife. Since the release, we have worked tirelessly and relentlessly to do the right thing and do it as quickly and effectively as possible by cleaning up the beaches and other affected areas, recovering and rehabilitating affected wildlife, compensating those who were impacted by the release and working with the various governmental and other organizations responding to the incident.

We are deeply disappointed by the decision of the California Attorney General and Santa Barbara District Attorney to pursue criminal charges against Plains and one of its employees in connection with the 2015 accidental release. Plains believes that neither the company nor any of its employees engaged in any criminal behavior at any time in connection with this accident, and that criminal charges are unwarranted. We will vigorously defend ourselves against these charges. The charges have no merit and represent an inappropriate attempt to criminalize an unfortunate accident.” -Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.

This criminal case will continue on July 28th at 11 a.m.