Santa Barbara County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Barbara County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Operational Area Oil Spill Contingency Plan
The county updated its oil spill contingency plan to maintain state compliance and clarify local emergency response roles.
Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels
Abandoned and wrecked boats washing up on county beaches pose environmental and safety hazards, with toxic materials leaking into the ocean. The problem has worsened due to stricter enforcement in neighboring city marinas.
Santa Ynez Unit Coastal Resources Mitigation Fund Fee Reassessment
Following the resumption of offshore oil production by Sable Offshore Corporation, the county reassessed mitigation fees for the Santa Ynez Unit, generating over $620,000 in retroactive and current funding for coastal projects.
Oil and Gas Amortization Study
The board approved a $250,000 contract to study the amortization of onshore oil and gas extraction operations as part of climate action planning and potential phase-out strategies.
One Climate Initiative and Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Staff presented a 5-year review and 2023 greenhouse gas inventory showing a modest 1% increase in emissions, prompting debate among supervisors over the realism of aggressive local climate goals.
General Services Energy Program and Facility Electrification
The county reviewed its ongoing energy efficiency and solar installation programs, highlighting millions in projected long-term savings and exploring battery storage at Tajiguas Landfill.
Sable Offshore Pipeline Litigation and Federal Oversight
Community members and congressional staff raised serious concerns over emergency federal permits allowing Sable Offshore Corp. to restart its oil pipeline following the 2015 Refugio spill. Speakers emphasized potential environmental hazards and questioned federal regulatory actions bypassing state oversight.