California Attorney General Sues U.S. Energy Department Over Pipeline Restart

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has initiated a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy, aiming to halt the restart of the Sable Offshore pipeline system. This pipeline, which connects the Santa Ynez offshore platform to California refineries, had been inactive since a significant oil spill in 2015. The U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright authorized the pipeline's reopening earlier this month, invoking powers granted by former President Donald Trump through an executive order that utilized the Defense Production Act to override state laws.

The GuardianNew York Times

Bonta contends that Wright's order contravenes state law, existing court orders, and a federal court-approved settlement. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco federal court, seeks a ruling that would declare the restart order unlawful and prevent the Energy Department from operating the Santa Ynez platform and its associated pipelines.

The Guardian

The Sable Offshore pipeline has been a contentious issue since it was shut down following a catastrophic spill that released over 100,000 gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean, affecting local wildlife and beaches. The recent decision to restart operations comes amid rising fuel prices attributed to geopolitical tensions, particularly the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has impacted oil supply routes.

New York Times

Sable Offshore, the pipeline's new owner, announced that it began shipping hydrocarbons from Las Flores Canyon to Pentland Station on March 14, 2026, with plans to sell 50,000 barrels per day by April 1. The company had previously struggled to restart the pipeline due to regulatory hurdles and state-imposed environmental review requirements.

New York Times

The conflict highlights a broader clash between the Trump administration's push for increased fossil fuel production and California's commitment to environmental protection and climate change initiatives. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump's actions, stating, “Donald Trump started a war, admitted it would spike gas prices nationwide, and told Americans it was a small price to pay.” He accused the former president of exploiting the current crisis to benefit the oil industry at the expense of California's coastal environment.

The Guardian

Critics of the pipeline's reopening, including state and local officials, argue that Sable Offshore has not adequately addressed the damage caused by the 2015 spill. They emphasize the need for thorough environmental assessments before any resumption of operations. The California Department of Parks and Recreation has previously mandated that the company undergo an environmental review process, which has not been completed.

New York Times

While the Energy Department asserts that the restart of the pipeline is necessary to bolster domestic oil production amid rising prices, California officials maintain that the decision is a violation of state law and poses environmental risks. The ongoing legal battle reflects the tension between federal energy policies and state environmental regulations.

New York Times

• “We won’t let this outrageous federal overreach go without a fight,” — Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

The Guardian

• “Now he’s using this crisis of his own making to attempt what he’s wanted to do for years: open California’s coast for his oil industry friends so they can poison our beaches.” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

The Guardian

This lawsuit represents a significant moment in the ongoing struggle over energy policy and environmental protection in California, as state officials seek to assert their authority against federal actions perceived as detrimental to local interests.

The Guardian