Coastal Chumash Voice Concerns Over Sable Oil Production on the Gaviota Coast

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Coastal Band Chumash leaders have raised concerns over the restarting of oil production on the Gaviota Coast.

The lands were populated in the past by Chumash tribal members and many areas are sacred or protected.

Houston-based energy company, Sable Offshore, is now in the process of moving oil from platforms off the coast to on-shore processing facilities, with the sale of the oil expected in the next week.

It's happening through a pipeline that ruptured onshore in 2015 – gushing thousands of gallons of oil into the ocean, damaging marine life and shoreline locations over at least three counties.

Speaking at the base of Stearns Wharf, issues were raised about the lack of adequate inclusion in oversight of the work done on the coastal lands. While not denying there's been outreach for input, the tribe says it a needs to have an earlier and more complete role in projects that disturb soils their ancestors once lived on.

Former Tribal Chair Mia Lopez said, "It is not if, but when" another spill will take place. She said the pipeline was not replaced, it was repaired and the line is old. 

Sable has said many times, it has completed repairs and the pipeline is safe for oil transportation.

Speakers also said the oil companies producing here should pay "up front" prior to an emergency, so there are funds ready to coverage a response plan.

Credit was given to local politicians who have been raising concerns from the Chumash during discussions and hearings. There's also been collaboration with the Environmental Defense Center and the Center for Biological Diversity.

The event featured traditional dances with drums and a tribal themed poem.

(More details, video and photos will be added here late today.)

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