A California judge has ruled in favor of environmental groups opposing an offshore oil operation in Santa Barbara County. This decision comes after a temporary restraining order was granted against Sable Offshore Corp. and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The order halts efforts to restart the operation’s onshore pipeline system, which had a significant rupture and spill in 2015.
Judge Donna Geck issued the order on Tuesday, stating that Sable Offshore must stop work on its pipeline until a full hearing on the case, scheduled for July 18. This ruling could delay the company’s plans to restart operations, which Sable had aimed to begin in July. Due to this setback, Sable now expects to target August 1, 2025, for its first oil sales.
Sable Offshore is trying to reactivate the Santa Ynez Unit, which includes three offshore platforms and associated facilities. The company needs approval from the state fire marshal to restart its pipelines, a crucial step for its commercial success.
The court’s ruling was welcomed by environmental advocates who argue that the state fire marshal had improperly allowed repairs and upgrades without proper environmental reviews and public input. Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, emphasized that the public deserves transparency regarding the risks associated with the pipeline that caused a major oil spill nearly a decade ago.
The Center for Biological Diversity also filed a similar lawsuit, reinforcing the call for accountability and public scrutiny in the decision-making process. Julie Teel Simmonds, a senior counsel for the center, expressed relief that the company cannot proceed with pipeline work while the court reviews the case.
Last week, another judge ruled that Sable cannot undertake any further work in the coastal area until the dispute with the California Coastal Commission is resolved. The Coastal Commission previously found that Sable had repeatedly violated state regulations by conducting repairs without necessary permits, leading to an $18 million fine.
The community remains concerned about the potential for another oil spill. State Senator Monique Limón, representing the area, stated that her constituents are clear: they do not want another disaster off their coast. She is working on legislation that would require stricter testing and public input for pipeline restarts, hoping to apply these standards to Sable’s operations.
As the situation develops, the fire marshal’s office is reviewing the judge’s decision and preparing to comply with the ruling. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for California’s coastal environment and the future of offshore oil operations in the state.