It’s been almost a decade since a massive oil spill wreaked havoc on the Santa Barbara coastline, leading to the closure of several drilling platforms. Now, a Texas-based company has decided to resume crude oil production in nearby federal waters, much to the dismay of environmental activists and local officials. Sable Offshore Corp. made the controversial announcement that it had begun extracting oil from one of three previously closed platforms, sparking outrage and concerns about the potential environmental impact.
Environmental groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, have criticized the move, questioning the lack of comprehensive environmental risk assessments and accusing the company of disregarding orders to halt construction. The resumption of oil production aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to expand fossil fuel production, a stark contrast to California’s push for clean energy initiatives. Despite the backlash, Sable’s chairman and CEO, Jim Flores, hailed the new oil production as a “milestone achievement” that would enhance energy security in California.
The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of a major oil spill near Refugio State Beach, has further fueled opposition to the project. Environmentalists and local residents have expressed concerns about the premature restart of operations and have vowed to continue fighting against offshore drilling in the region. While Sable insists that it has obtained all necessary permits for the project, legal challenges from environmental groups and regulatory agencies remain unresolved. The Coastal Commission, in particular, has expressed disappointment over Sable’s refusal to comply with state laws and has vowed to pursue further action to address the situation.
Despite the ongoing controversy and legal battles, Sable plans to expand its operations by restarting wells at two other platforms in the coming months. The company aims to fill the processing plant’s storage capacity and begin oil sales by mid-June, pending regulatory approvals. However, uncertainties loom over the project as state agencies, including the California Department of Conservation and the state fire marshal’s office, continue to review and assess the restart efforts. The future of offshore oil production in Santa Barbara remains uncertain, with environmental activists and state officials at odds over the potential risks and consequences of such operations.
