Texas oil company’s plan to restart production on Gaviota Coast faces scrutiny from federal lawmakers
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A Texas oil company’s plan to restart oil production on the Gaviota Coast is under scrutiny from federal lawmakers.
On Monday, Rep. Salud Carbajal and Sen. Adam Schiff sent a joint letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling for more public hearings and state oversight of Sable Offshore’s plan to resume local oil production using the same pipeline that ruptured in the 2015 Refugio oil spill.
“Anybody who wants to conduct business in this industry, knowing the perils that it brings—oil spills, danger to our economy, fisheries, environment, ecosystem, and coastline—needs to know that they must adhere to the highest standards,” said Carbajal, D-Calif.
The letter underscores the role of multiple state regulators, including the Office of the State Fire Marshal, State Parks, and the California Coastal Commission, in overseeing the restart. It also includes urgent requests, such as requiring the Office of the State Fire Marshal and State Parks to conduct environmental reviews.
“It’s not a stretch for the congressmembers to ask the state to do what they’re supposed to be doing in the first place—following their legal processes, enforcing the law, and allowing the public to weigh in on this project,” said Alex Katz, executive director of the Environmental Defense Center.
The last environmental review of the pipeline was conducted in 1985.
“Have they done repairs? Yes. Have they enhanced technology in certain areas? Yes. So is it safer, as some people say? Absolutely. Is it the best option? No,” Carbajal said.
He emphasized that replacing the pipeline would be the best option.
“The pipeline is corrosion-prone, and that’s why a new pipeline would be so important,” he said. “With new technology and materials, you can install a pipeline that can better withstand corrosion and meet much higher standards.”
Sable Offshore responded in a statement:
“At the time of restart, this pipeline will meet more stringent environmental and safety requirements than any other pipeline in the state. That’s because the restart of the Santa Ynez Unit is authorized and ultimately controlled by the process agreed to in a federal consent decree.”
Despite concerns about local impacts, Carbajal said the decision ultimately lies with the state.
