California is taking the Trump administration to court, filing a lawsuit over the federal approval to restart two controversial oil pipelines near the state’s sensitive coastline. This development marks a major legal showdown between the administration’s interests in increasing drilling in the Pacific Ocean and the state’s environmental interests.
The Hill reported that California Attorney General Rob Bonta is arguing that Trump is illegally trying to circumvent the state’s long-held authority over these specific vessels. The state argues that the administration’s moves to restart the pipelines contravene California’s established regulatory power. It seems to be part of Trump’s plan to increase his access to oil, although it remains to be seen how it will provide economic relief.
These aren’t just any pipelines. They’re owned by Sable Offshore, a company that handles drilling operations off the California coast. Crucially, these specific lines were shut down in 2015 after a devastating oil spill, which saw crude oil flow straight into the Pacific Ocean, fouling beaches and causing immense environmental damage.
The push for drilling isn’t considering the historical damage from oil spills
Rob Bonta didn’t mince words: “In its latest unlawful power grab, the Trump Administration is illegally claiming exclusive federal authority over two of California’s onshore pipelines.”
The Attorney General emphasized the severity of the potential harm, reminding everyone that California has “seen first-hand the devastating environmental and public health impacts of coastal oil spills.” He made it clear that he believes the administration is trying to “stop at nothing to evade state regulation which protects against these very disasters.”
For its part, the Trump administration argues that these approvals are necessary for energy security and economic relief. The administration stated that the move “will bring much needed American energy to a state with the highest gas prices in the country.”
This isn’t an isolated incident. The president has been actively trying to expand offshore drilling, particularly off the California coast. The administration has proposed offering new leases for companies to drill, which would be the first time in more than three decades that new drilling rights have been offered off that coastline. It would be a key move engage Oil companies after they found Venezuelan oil uninvestable.
It seems clear that this lawsuit is just one front in a much larger battle over energy policy and environmental protection. California is drawing a line in the sand, insisting that its authority must be respected, especially given the environmental history of the infrastructure in question.
Published: Jan 27, 2026 07:11 am