A California judge has ruled in favor of environmental groups, putting a halt to Sable Offshore Corp.’s attempts to restart oil operations off the coast of Santa Barbara County. This decision follows a temporary restraining order issued by Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Donna Geck, which prevents the company from working on its onshore pipeline system that was damaged in a significant spill back in 2015.
Sable Offshore has been trying to revive its Santa Ynez Unit, a collection of offshore platforms and pipelines that were shut down after the spill. The California Office of the State Fire Marshal oversees the safety and regulation of these pipelines and must approve their full restart. The judge’s order will remain in effect until at least July 18, when a full hearing is scheduled. The order could be extended, causing delays for Sable, which now aims to begin sales by August 1, 2025, instead of the previously planned July start.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the court’s ruling. They argue that Sable has not followed proper procedures, including public input and environmental reviews, required by state and federal laws. Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center, emphasized that the company cannot proceed until the court resolves the issues. She noted that the public deserves transparency regarding the safety of the pipelines, especially after the devastating spill a decade ago.
Sable’s vice president of environmental and governmental affairs, Steve Rusch, stated that the ruling would not hinder their preparations for restarting oil flow, which they believe is essential for stabilizing gas prices in California. However, the company faces significant opposition from local residents and environmental groups who are worried about the risks of another spill.
In April, the California Coastal Commission found that Sable had violated regulations by repairing and upgrading pipelines without the necessary permits, resulting in an $18 million fine. The company disputes these findings, claiming to comply with all regulations and exceed industry standards.
The community is vocal about its concerns. State Senator Monique Limón, representing the area, has expressed strong opposition to the project and is working on legislation that would impose stricter requirements for pipeline restarts. She believes that these court decisions could help ensure that any future operations are conducted safely and with public oversight.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on balancing the needs of energy production with environmental safety and community interests. The upcoming court hearing will be crucial in determining the future of Sable Offshore’s operations along the Santa Barbara coastline.