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Get Oil Out! Fights Risky Sable Oil Pipeline Proposal in Santa Barbara
Environmental group warns of potential for another devastating oil spill on the California coast
Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:35am
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An abstract visualization of the delicate ecological balance threatened by risky offshore oil operations and aging pipeline infrastructure along the California coast.Santa Barbara TodayThe environmental group Get Oil Out! (GOO!) is fighting against Sable Oil's proposal to resume oil production from a badly corroded pipeline in Santa Barbara, California. The pipeline was responsible for the devastating Refugio Oil Spill in 2015, which dumped over 450,000 gallons of crude oil into the Santa Barbara Channel. GOO! is convinced the pipeline will spill again if put back into service and is working with other organizations to stop Sable's risky plan.
Why it matters
The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill was a major environmental disaster that led to the creation of GOO! and sparked the modern environmental movement. The group has been fighting oil development proposals in the region for over 50 years. Another major oil spill would be devastating to the local ecosystem and economy, which relies heavily on tourism and fishing.
The details
Sable Oil wants to use the same corroded pipeline that burst in 2015, spilling over 450,000 gallons of crude oil, to resume production from three offshore platforms on the Gaviota Coast. GOO! argues the pipeline now lacks adequate protection from erosion and is certain to spill again if put back into service. The group is working with other environmental organizations to stop Sable's proposal before it can move forward.
- The 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill occurred on January 28, 1969.
- The Refugio Oil Spill happened in May 2015.
- GOO! was formed within 24 hours of the 1969 oil spill disaster.
- Sable Oil has recently submitted a proposal to resume production using the damaged pipeline.
The players
Get Oil Out! (GOO!)
An environmental organization formed in the aftermath of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill to fight against oil and gas development proposals in the region.
Sable Oil
The oil company proposing to resume production from three offshore platforms using the same corroded pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill.
What’s next
GOO! is urging the public to write to state and local officials, including the California Coastal and State Lands Commissions, State Parks Department, State Fire Marshal, county supervisors, state legislators, and the governor, to voice opposition to Sable's risky pipeline proposal.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing battle between environmental groups like GOO! and the oil industry over the risks of offshore drilling and pipeline infrastructure in sensitive coastal regions. The potential for another devastating oil spill underscores the need for robust environmental regulations and oversight to protect California's beaches and marine ecosystems.
