Federal Regulators Seek Public Input on Restarting Dormant Oil Pipelines in California

The U.S. Department of Transportation is considering waiving some safety requirements to allow Sable Offshore to restart pipelines that were shut down after a major oil spill in 2015.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal regulators are seeking public comment on plans to waive certain safety requirements and allow Sable Offshore to restart dormant oil pipelines in California. The pipelines were shut down after a major oil spill in 2015, and restarting them has faced legal and regulatory hurdles. The Department of Transportation argues an emergency declaration allows it to expedite the process, but environmental groups and state agencies are pushing back, citing safety and environmental concerns.

Why it matters

The potential restart of these pipelines is a high-stakes issue, as the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill caused significant environmental damage along the California coast. Restarting the pipelines without proper safeguards could risk another disaster, while delays in restarting production also have financial implications for the energy company involved.

The details

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is seeking public comment on a special permit that would allow Sable Offshore to restart the use of dormant oil pipelines in California without being subject to certain safety requirements. This includes waiving the need to evaluate and remediate corrosion along the pipelines' longitudinal seam welds within 180 days. PHMSA claims this is allowed due to a national energy emergency declaration by President Trump, but environmental groups argue it poses serious risks to the environment and public safety.

  • In December 2025, the Department of Transportation agreed with Sable Offshore's assessment that the pipelines are interstate and asserted federal authority over the restart plans.
  • On December 22, 2025, the Department of Transportation approved Sable Offshore's restart plans for two pipelines, Line CA-324 and Line CA-325.
  • In late December 2025, environmental groups filed an emergency lawsuit seeking to block the federal approval, but the court declined to issue a stay.
  • In early January 2026, Sable Offshore admitted in court that oil production had not yet restarted at the pipelines.
  • The public comment period on PHMSA's special permit request opened on February 23, 2026.

The players

PHMSA

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the federal regulator seeking public comment on the special permit request.

Sable Offshore

The Houston-based energy company that owns and operates the dormant oil pipelines in California and is seeking to restart production.

Center for Biological Diversity

An environmental advocacy group that has argued against the pipeline restart, citing safety and environmental concerns.

California Coastal Commission

The state regulator that has insisted on reviewing the federal government's decision to reclassify the pipelines and take over the restart process.

California State Parks

A state agency that has not granted an easement for one of the pipelines, CA-325, which runs through Gaviota State Park.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These old oil pipelines are dangerous enough without the Trump administration overstepping its authority to help Sable cut corners and skip safety requirements. This project is a serious risk to California's marine life and coastal communities. Waiving these pipeline safety standards is a gamble that no one should be taking.”

— Julie Teel Simmonds, Senior Counsel, Center for Biological Diversity (keyt.com)

“Rushing to restart this failed pipeline without following basic federal safety laws and without even making the necessary repairs poses an immediate threat to lives, property, and the environment across a large part of our state. We can't allow the Trump administration and Sable to undermine California law and gamble with the safety of everyone living along the pipeline route.”

— Linda Krop, Chief Counsel, Environmental Defense Center (keyt.com)

What’s next

Before issuing a decision on the special permit request, PHMSA will evaluate all public comments received and consider each relevant comment in making its final decision to grant or deny the permit.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state regulators, as well as between energy companies and environmental advocates, over the balance between energy production and environmental protection. The potential restart of these dormant pipelines will continue to be a closely watched and contentious issue in California.