California Sues to Block Federal Seizure of Idle Coastal Oil Pipelines
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a major lawsuit on Friday in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the filing challenges a federal move to seize regulatory control of two idle oil pipelines. State officials argue the Trump administration illegally reclassified the infrastructure to bypass strict state safety standards and force a restart.
Decade of Safety Concerns Follows Refugio Oil Spill
The disputed pipelines have remained shut down for over ten years following the catastrophic 2015 Refugio oil spill. That disaster released more than 100,000 gallons of crude oil onto the Gaviota Coast, the event devastated local wildlife and crippled the regional tourism economy. Regulators subsequently shifted oversight to the state to ensure stricter safety protocols were met before any future operations could begin. Houston based Sable Offshore Corp recently bought the infrastructure, the company has faced stiff resistance from local officials who cite a refusal to install modern safety upgrades like automatic shut off valves.
Federal Reclassification Sparks Legal Battle Over Jurisdiction
The legal conflict centers on a decision by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to reclassify lines 324 and 325 as interstate facilities. This designation allows the agency to override California’s regulatory authority, officials used an executive order regarding a National Energy Emergency to justify the move. Federal regulators subsequently issued a special permit on December 22 to expedite the restart of oil flow, this action bypassed local safety reviews entirely.
State Alleges Violation of Binding Legal Agreements
California argues the lines start and end within the state, this makes them intrastate infrastructure subject to local fire marshal oversight. The lawsuit claims the federal takeover violates the Administrative Procedure Act, it also contradicts a 2020 Consent Decree that explicitly recognized state authority over restart approvals. Officials contend the reclassification is a sham designed solely to evade a new state law requiring Coastal Commission permits for offshore infrastructure.
Court Decision Will Define Limits of State Sovereignty
Legal experts warn this case represents a critical test of state sovereignty against executive emergency powers. A ruling in favor of the federal government could allow similar takeovers of intrastate infrastructure nationwide, this would effectively nullify local environmental protections in favor of federal energy goals. Residents fear a restart without state mandated upgrades could lead to another catastrophic spill along the sensitive coastline.
A federal judge has maintained a temporary injunction preventing operations for now. The court will decide whether to grant a permanent stay during a pivotal hearing scheduled for February 27.
