The vote on the transfer of Santa Ynez Unit (SYU), Pacific Offshore Pipeline Company (POPCO) Gas Plant, and Las Flores Pipeline System permits from Exxon to Sable Offshore was the last item on the Board’s agenda, so those of us who were streaming the meeting for that topic had to be patient.
The Sable session began with a surprise announcement that opened the possibility that perhaps the outcome might not be as expected. Supervisor Hartmann, who owns property close to the pipeline, had once recused herself from voting on this matter. When it was thought that her property was ~900′ from the pipeline, the Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC) cleared her participation. However, after a 12/3/2025 letter from Sable informed that her property was as close as 8′ from the pipeline, the FPPC reversed its position and Supervisor Hartmann again recused herself.
Supervisor Hartmann’s re-recusal added some drama to the session given that there were two sure votes against Sable and one sure vote in favor. The swing vote would be that of Supervisor Lavagnino, who was very much supportive of the oil industry, but not Sable.
After strong but predictable presentations by the Environmental Defense Center/Center for Biological Diversity team and Sable, the floor was open to public comments. Although there were more speakers opposed to the Sable position (13), this observer found the Sable supporters (7) to be more compelling. Most were California natives who worked on the project and demonstrated a sincere commitment to the safety and environmental values that we all support. One aptly noted that California unnecessarily imports 2/3 of its oil from foreign sources, some of which aren’t particularly friendly.
As an aside, a County staffer pointed out that 400,000 barrels of SYU oil were in storage as a result of the resumption of production in May prior to receiving the necessary approvals to transport oil through the onshore pipeline.
The vote opened with Supervisor Nelson supporting the transfer of permits to Sable. His commented that the County was “attacking Sable’s finances at the same time they were trying to bankrupt them.”
Sable opponents held serve with Supervisors Capps and Lee opposing the transfer. Ms. Capps deserves credit for the sincere respect she showed for the Sable workers who were present.
So Supervisor Lavagnino would cast the deciding vote. He once again voted against the transfer noting that he was a long time supporter of the oil industry, but that he had lost confidence in Sable.
Bottom line: The outcome was as expected, but the recusal drama and strong presentations made the stream worth watching.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 