California Sues to Block Sable Offshore Pipeline Restart

State challenges federal agency's use of 'energy emergency' powers to override state environmental laws.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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California has filed a legal challenge to the Trump administration's decision to restart the Sable Offshore Corp.'s Las Flores pipeline in Santa Barbara, California. The case opens a new front in the battle over whether federal agencies can override traditional state powers under broad executive order directives, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2024 Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision that limited judicial deference to federal agencies.

Why it matters

This case tests the limits of federal 'energy emergency' powers and whether the executive branch can unilaterally override state environmental laws and regulations, even in the face of a Supreme Court ruling that reduced judicial deference to federal agencies.

The details

California is suing to block the Trump administration's decision to restart the Sable Offshore Corp.'s Las Flores pipeline in Santa Barbara, which was previously shut down due to state environmental concerns. The federal government is relying on a broad presidential 'energy emergency' declaration to justify restarting the pipeline over California's objections.

  • The Supreme Court issued its Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo decision in 2024, limiting judicial deference to federal agencies.
  • The Trump administration ordered the restart of the Sable Offshore pipeline in early 2026.

The players

California

The state of California, which is challenging the federal government's decision to restart the Sable Offshore pipeline in defiance of state environmental laws.

Trump administration

The federal government, led by former President Trump, which is relying on a broad 'energy emergency' declaration to justify restarting the Sable Offshore pipeline over California's objections.

Sable Offshore Corp.

The company that operates the Las Flores pipeline in Santa Barbara, California, which the federal government has ordered to be restarted.

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What they’re saying

“We must not allow the federal government to trample on California's environmental laws and regulations, even in the name of an 'energy emergency'.”

— Xavier Becerra, California Attorney General (Los Angeles Times)

“The president has broad authority to address energy emergencies, and we will not hesitate to use it to ensure the reliable supply of energy resources.”

— Dan Brouillette, U.S. Secretary of Energy (The Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

The case is expected to be heard by a federal district court in the coming months, with the potential for appeals to reach the Supreme Court and test the limits of federal 'energy emergency' powers.

The takeaway

This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state authority, especially when it comes to energy and environmental policy. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how the executive branch can wield emergency powers to override state laws and regulations.