Latest news with #CoastalCommission
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Court backs California Coastal Commission in fight over offshore oil operation
Just days after a Texas oil firm shocked California environmentalists and regulators by announcing the resumption of offshore oil production along the Santa Barbara County coast, a court has ordered the company to cease further construction or repairs until they obtain official approvals. For months, Sable Offshore Corp. has denied the California Coastal Commission's authority to oversee and approve upgrades to a network of oil pipelines that were shuttered after a major 2015 spill. The company argues that it doesn't need any new permits because it is only repairing and maintaining existing pipelines — as opposed to constructing a new line — meaning the Coastal Commission doesn't have a say in the matter. Sable sued the commission in February, claiming overreach of its authority. But on Wednesday, Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Anderle sided with the Coastal Commission and ordered Sable to abide by a preliminary injunction, upholding a cease and desist order commissioners issued in April. That action requires Sable to stop any further coastal work until the company obtains necessary permits from the Coastal Commission or the ongoing lawsuit is settled. "The Commission has presented credible evidence of violation of the Coastal Act," Anderle wrote in his ruling. Landscape grading and other pipeline work Sable performed "fall squarely within the definition of 'development' in the Coastal Act," he found. Read more: Under Trump, Texas firm pushes to restart Santa Barbara oil drilling. Is it skirting California laws? Sable insists that it is still operating within original permits from the 1980s. The commission disagrees however, and has ordered the company to seek new permits. 'It's a significant win not only for the Coastal Commission, but for the environment, for the state, for the people and, frankly, the rule of law," said Alex Helperin, assistant chief counsel for the Coastal Commission. 'We've never seen someone just completely ignore one of our orders before. ... This is unprecedented for us and [the judge's ruling is] a really important indication of the rule of law and the idea that our orders have to be taken seriously.' Although commission officials have hailed the judge's decision as a victory, it remains unclear how it will impact the oil operation. Sable has already finished much —if not all — of the work commissioners have protested. Still, Sable officials say they plan to appeal the judge's ruling. "We look forward to overturning today's decision, though it has no bearing on Sable's plans to recommence oil sales by July," read a statement from Steve Rusch, Sable's vice president of environmental and governmental affairs. "Sable will continue to aggressively defend our vested rights to pursue low carbon California oil and natural gas sorely needed to stabilize supply and lower consumer gasoline prices.' In April, the California Coastal Commission found that Sable had repeatedly violated the Coastal Act by repairing and upgrading oil pipelines without necessary permits or approvals. The company was fined $18 million, issued a cease and desist order and directed to restore areas that saw environmental damage. Sable has ignored those findings, and filed the lawsuit against the the commission. The preliminary injunction issued Wednesday doesn't resolve that case, but may be an indication of how the court may lean in a final decision — which is likely still months, if not years, away. Read more: Offshore oil operation near Santa Barbara resumes production after 10 years Sable outraged environmentalists and officials last week when it announced that it had resumed oil production at one of its offshore platforms — located in federal waters — at a rate of about 6,000 barrels a day, with plans to quickly increase extraction. The company said the oil is being sent to the onshore Las Flores Canyon processing facility for storage, but was clear that full use of the onshore pipelines had yet to begin. But among those who were taken aback by the announcement was Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who serves as chair of the California State Lands Commission and has oversight of offshore oil pipelines. Sable was required to update the State Lands Commission on any oil flow and failed to do so, she said. "Sable's failure to clearly and timely communicate these activities to the commission undermines trust of Sable's motives, demonstrates a lack of understanding of the significant concerns held by many regarding the resumption of activities, and raises serious questions about Sable's willingness to be a transparent operator," Kounalakis wrote in a May 23 letter to Sable that was reviewed by The Times. Kounalakis also accused the company of misleading the public. She said that lands commission staff told her that the new oil flows were the result of well-testing procedures required by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement prior to restart. "These activities do not constitute a resumption of commercial production or a full restart ... Characterizing testing activities as a restart of operations is not only misleading but also highly inappropriate — particularly given that Sable has not obtained the necessary regulatory approvals to fully resume operations," she wrote. She said that the company needs to resolve all pending legal challenges and regulatory requirements before any attempt to fully restart commercial operations in order to remain in compliance with its offshore pipeline leases. Sheri Pemberton, a spokesperson for the commission, said Sable has not yet responded to the lieutenant governor's letter. Sable representatives did not respond to questions about the letter or the concerns raised by the State Lands Commission chair. Environmental activists argued that the judge's ruling and Kounalakis' letter further demonstrate that Sable cannot be trusted to safely run an operation that previously failed. 'This just shows, again, that this is not a company we can trust to follow the law in California or responsibly operate equipment that already caused one of the worst spills in our state history," said Alex Katz, the executive director of the Environmental Defense Center. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Court backs California Coastal Commission in fight over offshore oil operation
Just days after a Texas oil firm shocked California environmentalists and regulators by announcing the resumption of offshore oil production along the Santa Barbara County coast, a court has ordered the company to cease further construction or repairs until they obtain official approvals. For months, Sable Offshore Corp. has denied the California Coastal Commission's authority to oversee and approve upgrades to a network of oil pipelines that were shuttered after a major 2015 spill. The company argues that it doesn't need any new permits because it is only repairing and maintaining existing pipelines — as opposed to constructing a new line — meaning the Coastal Commission doesn't have a say in the matter. Sable sued the commission in February, claiming overreach of its authority. But on Wednesday, Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Anderle sided with the Coastal Commission and ordered Sable to abide by a preliminary injunction, upholding a cease and desist order commissioners issued in April. That action requires Sable to stop any further coastal work until the company obtains necessary permits from the Coastal Commission or the ongoing lawsuit is settled. 'The Commission has presented credible evidence of violation of the Coastal Act,' Anderle wrote in his ruling. Landscape grading and other pipeline work Sable performed 'fall squarely within the definition of 'development' in the Coastal Act,' he found. Sable insists that it is still operating within original permits from the 1980s. The commission disagrees however, and has ordered the company to seek new permits. 'It's a significant win not only for the Coastal Commission, but for the environment, for the state, for the people and, frankly, the rule of law,' said Alex Helperin, assistant chief counsel for the Coastal Commission. 'We've never seen someone just completely ignore one of our orders before. ... This is unprecedented for us and [the judge's ruling is] a really important indication of the rule of law and the idea that our orders have to be taken seriously.' Although commission officials have hailed the judge's decision as a victory, it remains unclear how it will impact the oil operation. Sable has already finished much —if not all — of the work commissioners have protested. Still, Sable officials say they plan to appeal the judge's ruling. 'We look forward to overturning today's decision, though it has no bearing on Sable's plans to recommence oil sales by July,' read a statement from Steve Rusch, Sable's vice president of environmental and governmental affairs. 'Sable will continue to aggressively defend our vested rights to pursue low carbon California oil and natural gas sorely needed to stabilize supply and lower consumer gasoline prices.' In April, the California Coastal Commission found that Sable had repeatedly violated the Coastal Act by repairing and upgrading oil pipelines without necessary permits or approvals. The company was fined $18 million, issued a cease and desist order and directed to restore areas that saw environmental damage. Sable has ignored those findings, and filed the lawsuit against the the commission. The preliminary injunction issued Wednesday doesn't resolve that case, but may be an indication of how the court may lean in a final decision — which is likely still months, if not years, away. Sable outraged environmentalists and officials last week when it announced that it had resumed oil production at one of its offshore platforms — located in federal waters — at a rate of about 6,000 barrels a day, with plans to quickly increase extraction. The company said the oil is being sent to the onshore Las Flores Canyon processing facility for storage, but was clear that full use of the onshore pipelines had yet to begin. But among those who were taken aback by the announcement was Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who serves as chair of the California State Lands Commission and has oversight of offshore oil pipelines. Sable was required to update the State Lands Commission on any oil flow and failed to do so, she said. 'Sable's failure to clearly and timely communicate these activities to the commission undermines trust of Sable's motives, demonstrates a lack of understanding of the significant concerns held by many regarding the resumption of activities, and raises serious questions about Sable's willingness to be a transparent operator,' Kounalakis wrote in a May 23 letter to Sable that was reviewed by The Times. Kounalakis also accused the company of misleading the public. She said that lands commission staff told her that the new oil flows were the result of well-testing procedures required by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement prior to restart. 'These activities do not constitute a resumption of commercial production or a full restart ... Characterizing testing activities as a restart of operations is not only misleading but also highly inappropriate — particularly given that Sable has not obtained the necessary regulatory approvals to fully resume operations,' she wrote. She said that the company needs to resolve all pending legal challenges and regulatory requirements before any attempt to fully restart commercial operations in order to remain in compliance with its offshore pipeline leases. Sheri Pemberton, a spokesperson for the commission, said Sable has not yet responded to the lieutenant governor's letter. Sable representatives did not respond to questions about the letter or the concerns raised by the State Lands Commission chair. Environmental activists argued that the judge's ruling and Kounalakis' letter further demonstrate that Sable cannot be trusted to safely run an operation that previously failed. 'This just shows, again, that this is not a company we can trust to follow the law in California or responsibly operate equipment that already caused one of the worst spills in our state history,' said Alex Katz, the executive director of the Environmental Defense Center.
Los Angeles Times
24-05-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
After 27 years fighting to change oil field into massive Orange County nature preserve, initial plans released
Conservationists and people of coastal Orange County communities have been working for nearly three decades to transform a former 387-acre oil field into at the border of Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach into one of the largest protected green spaces in the county. Now, the coalition of agencies setting the foundation to transform that dream into a reality have published initial plans describing what Randall Park will eventually look like, and are asking for more input from the public. Those documents and additional resources are available at They lay out how how the collaborating agencies intend to balance the restoration of habitats for the 18 unique sensitive or threatened species that live there, the reclamation of culturally significant sites located on the property by native tribal government of the Tongva as well as access to the general public. The plans contain details about what kind of work must be done and what facilities and amenities will eventually be available. The planning process for the preserve is currently in a public input phase that ends July 16. Those interested in helping shape the future of Randall Preserve have until then to formally submit questions, comments and suggestions. 'We've literally waited 27 years for this day, in terms of those who fought this battle,' said Melanie Schlotterbeck, stewardship consultant for the Coastal Corridor Alliance. 'This is an opportunity for them to realize the vision, the dream they had, the reason they showed up to the Coastal Commission and held the signs up saying 'Save Banning Ranch,' this is how it has payed off.' She said the conservancy had already received hundreds of responses before plans were released. Since then, many community members have taken the opportunity to go over the documents, which are hundreds of pages long, and returned with well-informed followup comments. About two dozen people showed up to an open house in Costa Mesa showcasing the progress that has been made to date. Attendees examined where proposed trails and entrances would go, as well as photos of what it looked like in the past and graphics describing what might be there in the future. They also filled out comment cards, watched a presentation available on the corridor alliance's website and got to know those involved in planning the preserve. One person attending Tuesday's open house was Bridget Gleason. Her father was among those who pleaded before the Coastal Commission for the preservation of what was formerly known as Banning Ranch, and she eventually wound up buying a home nearby. 'I've been aware since it was the Banning Ranch effort, and my dad was going to Coastal Commission meetings and helping with that effort,' Gleason said. 'It's kind of come full circle now that I've bought on that side of town and it's in my backyard and evolved into the actual restoration part of it. Doing it right truly does take time.' Two more open houses are scheduled. One will be held Monday, June 2, at the Norma Hertzog Center in Costa Mesa, and the other one is set for Saturday, June 21 at the Newport Beach Civic Center. Those who turn out are eligible for $25 gift cards. And transportation as well as Spanish translation services may be available for people who RSVP ahead of time. 'We realize maybe they have to take time off of work,' Schlotterbeck said. 'Maybe they work two jobs, and we wanted to help somewhat make it worth their while.' How and where people will be able to gain entry to the park has been one of the most popular topics among comments received since plans were released, Schlotterbeck said. The preserve will be opened to the public in phases. The first portion that people will be able to step foot on will feature a 1-mile hiking loop with an entrance at eastern edge of the preserve, near 17th Street and Whittier Avenue. Open house attendee Maria Irma Hernandez told the Daily Pilot she lives around the corner from the first proposed entrance of the preserve. Once it opens, she'll be able to take her morning walks surrounded by nature, rather than pounding pavement alongside the din of passing traffic. 'The infrastructure does not exist there right now,' Schlotterbeck said. 'We need to get it up there because it wouldn't be prudent to open a property without having trash cans and restrooms, things like that.' But before that can happen, the former owners of the property must cleanup after decades of use as an oil field. That means the removal of chemical deposits and decommissioning of old access roads. That work should allow for large uninterrupted patches of restored green space. Planners looking ahead at the impacts of climate change intend to reshape parts of the acreage to allow water to flow into what will hopefully become habitats for saltwater and freshwater species. 'The lowland will be impacted in 100 years with 4.9 feet of sea level rise; all of it will be under water,' Schlotterbeck said. Planners expect the cleanup process to end in 2026, with the formal decommissioning of oil wells by 2027. That's the earliest it might be feasibly possible to start opening the Randall Preserve to the public. Once it's open it will be managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. The agency handles maintenance, security and a wide variety of other services at dozens of preservation sites across Southern California, including a wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway. Randall Preserve will be the first property they manage in Orange County. 'It is a big lift to open a new park [and] this is a significant property,' the conservation authority's deputy executive officer Brian Balduf said. 'It is in a new territory that MRCA hasn't been operating, so we're going to be learning a lot working in Orange County. But also, we're a park agency. We manage parks. We have a great team. This is what we do.'
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monterey Superior Court Affirms California Coastal Commission's Approval of California American Water's Monterey Desalination Project
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the Monterey County Superior Court issued its final decision denying attempts by the City of Marina (City), Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) to overturn the California Coastal Commission's approval of Coastal Development Permits for California American Water's Monterey desalination project. The court's decision affirms that the Coastal Commission acted appropriately and within its authority when it approved those permits in 2022. "When this project obtained Coastal Development Permit approvals in 2022, it was the result of the California Coastal Commission's extensive, thorough evaluation, environmental review and public comment process, in addition to the more than six years of work on the project's Environmental Impact Report," said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. "The Coastal Commission judiciously conducted its review and correctly concluded that our project meets all requirements at this stage. This superior court decision confirms that this is the right project in the right location." The recognition of the urgency of Monterey's need for new water supply resources was heightened this week when the California Public Utilities Commission found in a proposed decision that the Peninsula could face water shortages by 2050 without implementation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. "Courts have consistently found that the proposed project meets all conditions and that the Coastal Commission and other regulating authorities have acted appropriately in assessing the project and issuing the relevant permits," said Tilden. "But these failed lawsuits are still consequential. The Monterey Peninsula needs new sources of reliable, drought-resilient water supply and frivolous lawsuits cost residents money and precious time while doing nothing to further the Peninsula's water security." On the Monterey Peninsula, the challenge of addressing drought is heightened by State Water Resource Control Board orders that require California American Water to significantly reduce pumping from the Carmel River and prohibit the company from providing new water connections until alternate water sources are identified. To address Monterey's need for a robust, drought-proof water supply, California American Water is pursuing the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The desalination project is at the core of this solution, easing the region's severe water supply shortage, meeting the state's water supply goals and developing a new drought-proof water supply. Desalination will also help diversify the water resources available to Monterey. Next steps in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project include the expansion of water recycling by public agency partners and improvements to aquifer storage and recovery. By diversifying Monterey's water supply, California American Water is preparing for whatever the future holds. Once operational, the desalination project will bring the reliable, drought-proof water source needed to lift the Water Board's cease-and-desist order, support community demand and allow for sustainable future growth – including the development of affordable housing to meet the region's needs. Moreover, California American Water will bring additional benefits to the community including an expansion of customer affordability programs and a $3 million community benefit for the City of Marina residents. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Josh StrattonManager, External AffairsPhone: 831-435-6015Email: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Monterey Superior Court Affirms California Coastal Commission's Approval of California American Water's Monterey Desalination Project
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the Monterey County Superior Court issued its final decision denying attempts by the City of Marina (City), Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) and Marina Coast Water District (MCWD) to overturn the California Coastal Commission's approval of Coastal Development Permits for California American Water's Monterey desalination project. The court's decision affirms that the Coastal Commission acted appropriately and within its authority when it approved those permits in 2022. "When this project obtained Coastal Development Permit approvals in 2022, it was the result of the California Coastal Commission's extensive, thorough evaluation, environmental review and public comment process, in addition to the more than six years of work on the project's Environmental Impact Report," said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. "The Coastal Commission judiciously conducted its review and correctly concluded that our project meets all requirements at this stage. This superior court decision confirms that this is the right project in the right location." The recognition of the urgency of Monterey's need for new water supply resources was heightened this week when the California Public Utilities Commission found in a proposed decision that the Peninsula could face water shortages by 2050 without implementation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. "Courts have consistently found that the proposed project meets all conditions and that the Coastal Commission and other regulating authorities have acted appropriately in assessing the project and issuing the relevant permits," said Tilden. "But these failed lawsuits are still consequential. The Monterey Peninsula needs new sources of reliable, drought-resilient water supply and frivolous lawsuits cost residents money and precious time while doing nothing to further the Peninsula's water security." On the Monterey Peninsula, the challenge of addressing drought is heightened by State Water Resource Control Board orders that require California American Water to significantly reduce pumping from the Carmel River and prohibit the company from providing new water connections until alternate water sources are identified. To address Monterey's need for a robust, drought-proof water supply, California American Water is pursuing the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project. The desalination project is at the core of this solution, easing the region's severe water supply shortage, meeting the state's water supply goals and developing a new drought-proof water supply. Desalination will also help diversify the water resources available to Monterey. Next steps in the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project include the expansion of water recycling by public agency partners and improvements to aquifer storage and recovery. By diversifying Monterey's water supply, California American Water is preparing for whatever the future holds. Once operational, the desalination project will bring the reliable, drought-proof water source needed to lift the Water Board's cease-and-desist order, support community demand and allow for sustainable future growth – including the development of affordable housing to meet the region's needs. Moreover, California American Water will bring additional benefits to the community including an expansion of customer affordability programs and a $3 million community benefit for the City of Marina residents. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About California American Water California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Josh StrattonManager, External AffairsPhone: 831-435-6015Email: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
