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Isla Vista board adopts resolution opposing new federal offshore oil lease sales
Summary
The IVCSD board voted Jan. 13 to adopt a resolution opposing proposed federal offshore oil lease sales, citing local risks from heavy crude and past spills; the motion passed unanimously.
The Isla Vista Community Services District board unanimously adopted Resolution 26-7 on Jan. 13 opposing proposed federal offshore oil lease sales, citing the community’s history of harm from oil spills and technical risks associated with heavy crude.
Outlining the resolution, board leadership noted the community’s experience with the 2015 Refugio oil spill and the economic and ecological disruption that followed. The chair said the district had previously taken a stance against pipeline restarts and is now joining a statewide coalition of local governments urging administrative changes and public comment opportunities at the Department of the Interior.
The resolution’s text highlights concerns that heavy crude off Santa Barbara County requires additional handling — including heating and specialized pipeline technology — and that existing safeguards may not fully address corrosion and spill risk. Board members said the vote aims to add local government voices to administrative processes and, if necessary, to support joint standing for possible legal challenges.
The board approved the resolution by voice vote with no recorded opposition. The district said it will coordinate with other local governments and advocacy groups to submit comments and take further steps as appropriate.
Next steps: staff and board members expected to monitor federal comment windows and coordinate outreach with county and regional partners.
