Sander Kushen, sander.kushen@sierraclub.org
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — This morning, Sable Offshore announced that they have restarted oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit off the coast of Santa Barbara, with imminent plans to restart the same corroded pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill exactly 10 years ago.
Last month, Sable was fined a record $18 million for defying state orders to stop work on the pipeline. The company has continued their work despite regulatory obstacles and widespread public outrage.
In response, Sierra Club and Environmental Defense Center issued the following statements:
Maureen Ellenberger, Chair of Sierra Club’s Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter, said:
Making this announcement on the 10 year anniversary of the second-most devastating oil spill in Santa Barbara history is just plain cruel, and it shows a complete disregard to the residents who lived through the spill and the hundreds of birds and sea animals that died. We’ll continue fighting this dangerous, unpopular pipeline until it is closed for good.
Alex Katz, Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Center, said:
The fact that Sable is announcing the restart of production on the 10th anniversary of the Refugio Oil Spill that devastated 150 miles of coastline shows how little regard the company has for the people and environment of California. EDC, our clients, and partners are fighting from every angle to prevent the failed pipeline from ever restarting. Yesterday’s community gathering demonstrated that we stand united in protecting our coast from another devastating oil spill.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.