Carbajal Statement on Reopening of Oil Rigs Off the Gaviota Coast

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) issued the statement below following the Department of Interior’s announcement that Sable Offshore Corp. (Sable) will restart oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit (SYU) off the Gaviota Coast. “This is a deeply concerning development for Central Coast residents, many of whom vividly remember the devastating impacts of the 1969 Santa Barbara and 2015 Refugio oil spills, from oil-slicked beaches to the piles of dead marine wildlife,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Time and time again, our community has experienced the acute dangers that come with Big Oil’s reckless extraction practices, which jeopardize our coastal ecosystems, public health, and outdoor recreation economy. And let’s be clear: if energy independence were truly the goal, the current Administration would be investing in cleaner—and often more affordable—energy sources like solar and wind, not gutting their federal support. Restarting these rigs only enriches Big Oil, while sacrificing the Central Coast’s environmental and public health. I will continue working with state and local partners to fight back against efforts to expand offshore oil drilling on the Central Coast.”