Coastal Band Opposes Sable Offshore Corp.’s Pipeline Plan Along Gaviota Coast

In a powerful show of unity, the Environmental Defense Center (EDC) held a press conference to oppose Sable Offshore Corp.’s controversial proposal to restart oil and gas drilling off the Gaviota Coast—using the same defective pipeline that caused the devastating 2015 Refugio oil spill. The event drew an impressive coalition of elected officials, environmental advocates, Indigenous leaders, students, and public figures who stood together to demand meaningful action to protect California’s coast from another ecological disaster.

Notable speakers included Linda Krop, Chief Counsel of the EDC; Assemblymember Gregg Hart; State Senator Monique Limón; Coastal Band Chairman Mati Waiya; actress and activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus; Jane Fonda; Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert; UCSB student Jenna McGovern; and Julie Schneiderman, co-founder of Women in the Water.

Speakers voiced strong opposition to Sable’s plan, emphasizing that restarting operations with a pipeline that has already failed is reckless and unacceptable. They pointed out that the proposal has moved forward without undergoing the comprehensive environmental review required by law, and without meaningful public input. This lack of transparency and oversight poses a significant risk to the health of the coastline, its ecosystems, and nearby communities.

The press conference served as a call to action for state regulatory agencies, urging them to conduct full environmental assessments and ensure that the public has a voice in decisions that could affect generations to come. From grassroots organizers to high-profile advocates, the message was clear: we cannot afford another oil spill—and we won’t allow history to repeat itself.

The outpouring of community support at the event underscored how deeply Californians care about their coastal environment. From longtime residents and students to business leaders and environmental organizations, the crowd demonstrated broad and passionate resistance to Sable’s project. Following the press conference, a town hall was held with state agencies responsible for overseeing the pipeline, allowing for continued dialogue, public comment, and pressure on officials to act in the interest of the public and the planet.

Together, their voices carried one unified message: California’s coastline is not a sacrifice zone—and communities across the state are prepared to fight for its future.

Photo credit: Nicholas Weissman – Vacationland Films

Coastal Band Chairman Mati Waiya brings a powerful voice to the press conference.