The Santa Barbara County Planning Commission has approved a significant change in ownership and operators of three oil facilities located on the Gaviota Coast. The decision, which passed with a 3-1 vote, saw Commissioner John Parke dissenting due to concerns raised during public discussions. Sable Offshore Corporation will take over as the owner and operator of the ExxonMobil Santa Ynez Unit and the Pacific Offshore Pipeline Company gas plant [82d32bcb].
Public opposition was notable, with 47 speakers, primarily students from UC Santa Barbara, voicing their environmental concerns regarding the potential for oil spills and the implications of such operations on local ecosystems. Critics highlighted Sable's financial stability and questioned whether the company could meet the necessary insurance requirements, particularly in light of the Chapter 25B permits that were deemed to lack sufficient coverage [82d32bcb].
Chairman Vincent Martinez referenced the 2015 Refugio oil spill during the discussions, emphasizing the historical context of oil spills in the region and the need for stringent oversight. Despite these concerns, the commission made its decision, citing what some members felt was inadequate information provided to them regarding the implications of the ownership change [82d32bcb].
This approval marks a pivotal moment for oil operations on the Gaviota Coast, raising questions about environmental safety and regulatory oversight in the face of public dissent. The decision has sparked a renewed debate about the balance between energy production and environmental protection in Santa Barbara County [82d32bcb].