Carbajal Applauds Filing Charges Against Plains Co. for Refugio Oil Spill

Press Release

Today, Santa Barbara District Attorney Joyce Dudley and Attorney General Kamala Harris announced they will file criminal charges against Plains All American Pipeline Company regarding their corroded pipe ruptured spilling an estimated 142,000 gallons of viscous crude oil along the Central Coast near Refugio. Hundreds of animals were killed as a result of the spill and its lasting damages on the area's ecosystem are still unknown.

Supervisor Carbajal, an outspoken advocate for pipeline safety, released the following statement on today's announcement:

"I am extremely pleased with DA Dudley and Attorney General Harris's decision to file charges today against Plains Oil Company. At this time last year, the Central Coast watched in horror as nearly 143,000 gallons of crude oil spilled onto our coastline from a corroded Plains Company pipeline. It is imperative those responsible for endangering our environment are held accountable for their negligent actions.

"In Congress, I will firmly oppose any new oil drilling off our coasts. I will also continue to support Congresswoman Lois Capps' legislation to improve federal oil and gas pipeline safety and monitoring regulations, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Regulation that ensures no future spill from eroding pipelines does permanent damage to our ocean's ecosystem."

Salud Carbajal has served on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors since 2004, and is now running for Congress as a Democrat in the 24th Congressional District.

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