In brief
In 2015, a major oil spill caused by a pipeline rupture in California led to extensive environmental damage and the worst spill in decades. In 2022, Plains All American Pipeline reached a $230 million settlement. Now, Sable Offshore Corp. aims to restart drilling despite legal challenges and environmental pushback, with many fearing another disaster as the U.S. government relaxes regulations. Environmental advocates argue that the risks outweigh the benefits, calling for the cessation of such projects amidst growing climate concerns.
The 2015 rupture of a corroded pipeline led to the worst oil spill California had seen in decades, spilling over 140,000 gallons of crude oil along the Southern California coast from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. The ecological disaster affected 150 miles of coastline, damaging habitats for endangered marine life and harming the coastal economy.
In 2022, Plains All American Pipeline settled for $230 million without admitting liability, but the aftermath has seen new developments as Texas-based Sable Offshore Corp. seeks to restart oil production from three long-shuttered drilling platforms, despite a history of legal challenges.
Climate advocates and local groups, including Santa Barbara's Environmental Defense Center, have filed lawsuits against Sable, arguing that a new drilling operation would threaten local ecosystems and communities. With an administration that favors increased energy production, proponents of the project claim it could stabilize California’s high gas prices.
California has been gradually shifting away from fossil fuels in favor of cleaner energy, and many are calling on state officials to take measures to halt Sable’s project due to environmental concerns. Actor and activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus was vocal at a recent protest, stating, 'I can smell a rat. And this project is a rat.'
Despite ongoing lawsuits and public outcry, Sable remains determined, stating goals for production while countering accusations of environmental neglect and asserting its operations do not harm wildlife.
