Story perspectives

California AG Sues to Block Pipeline Restart Amid Safety Concerns

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit challenging the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)'s actions on Sable Offshore Corp.'s pipelines.
PHMSA reclassified the pipelines as interstate and granted an emergency permit to restart operations.
Sable Offshore Corp. maintains compliance with regulations.
The suit seeks to protect California's coastline and public health after the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill.
The case is now in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

History

Historical Context

The Refugio Oil Spill on May 19, 2015, released approximately 140,000 gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean, severely impacting Santa Barbara's ecosystems. This incident, linked to a corroded pipeline owned by Plains All American Pipeline, prompted California's Attorney General Rob Bonta to sue the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, highlighting ongoing concerns about pipeline safety and environmental protection.

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Story summary

California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit challenging the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)'s actions on Sable Offshore Corp.'s pipelines.
PHMSA reclassified the pipelines as interstate and granted an emergency permit to restart operations.
Sable Offshore Corp. maintains compliance with regulations.
The suit seeks to protect California's coastline and public health after the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill.
The case is now in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

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