In a landmark decision at its April meeting, the California Coastal Commission took a bold stand to protect our coast, issuing a record-breaking $18 million fine against Sable Offshore Corp. for unauthorized pipeline construction and blatant disregard of state orders in its drive to resume offshore oil drilling in the Santa Barbara Channel. This decisive action underscores the Commission's longtime role as the foremost guardian of California's coastline for all Californians.
California voters led in the establishment of the Commission in the wake of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, an ecological disaster that galvanized public demand for stronger protections for the state’s beaches and ocean wildlife. Over the decades, the Commission has been instrumental in preserving California's coastal resources, ensuring that development aligns with environmental safeguards and equitable public access.
Defending Our Coastline
Image: Oil rig offshore from Santa Barbara
Sable Offshore, a Houston-based oil company, acquired the corroded pipeline responsible for the devastating 2015 Plains All American oil spill at Refugio which released over 100,000 gallons of crude oil into the ocean, wreaking havoc on marine life and coastal habitats. Instead of adhering to standard legal protocols, Sable barreled ahead with extensive earthmoving and pipeline construction without environmental impact analysis and the necessary coastal development permits. Sable then ignored multiple cease-and-desist orders from the Commission which has consistently stated that such review is necessary to protect the coastal environment from new oil spills and other potential harms.
The Commission's enforcement staff detailed how Sable's unpermitted activities included heavy excavation, vegetation removal, and construction in sensitive habitats, posing significant risks to protected species like the western pond turtle and Southern California steelhead. The timing and location of these activities was particularly concerning, coinciding with critical breeding and nesting seasons for bird, fish and amphibian species in Gaviota State Park and surrounding habitiats.
The April meeting saw an outpouring of public engagement, with over 100 individuals voicing their concerns. Environmental groups, local residents, and students from UCSB's Stop Sable initiative united in opposition to Sable's actions, emphasizing the community's vested interest in coastal preservation.
The People’s Commission
During the hearing, Commissioner Meagan Harmon expressed profound disappointment, stating, "Sable’s refusal to comply is a refusal to follow the law... a subversion of the will of the people of the state of California."
Commission Chair Justin Cummings emphasized the Commission's responsibility to uphold the law, asserting, "If you want to go out and try to supersede the people of the State of California, we’re going to stand up for ourselves."
Commissioner Dayna Bochco criticized Santa Barbara County's lack of enforcement, remarking, "I have never seen a county cave this way." No one from Santa Barbara County staff spoke at the hearing to defend their actions.
This incident serves as a potent reminder of the Commission's essential role in safeguarding our coastline. As an agency empowered by the people, it ensures that environmental laws are upheld and that our natural treasures are protected against corporate overreach and the national fossil fuel agenda.
At Surfrider, we commend the Commission's steadfast dedication to coastal protection. Their actions exemplify the power of collective advocacy and the importance of vigilant oversight in preserving our publicly owned beaches, bluffs, and breaks.