Sable Offshore Restarts Pipeline After Lengthy Shutdown

Regulators and company at odds over safety concerns and environmental compliance issues

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:06pm

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Sable Offshore Corp. has restarted operations on a pipeline that had been inactive for nearly 11 years after a major oil spill in 2015. The pipeline, previously owned by Plains All American Pipeline, was sold to ExxonMobil in 2022 and then to Sable in 2024. Sable has spent two years inspecting, testing, and partially rebuilding the aging infrastructure, but regulators and the company remain at odds over safety concerns and environmental compliance issues.

Why it matters

The restart of the Sable Offshore pipeline is a contentious issue, with regulators and the company disputing the pipeline's safety and the company's compliance with environmental regulations. The 2015 oil spill was a major environmental disaster, and there are concerns that the aging infrastructure could pose a serious risk of another spill. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between energy companies, regulators, and environmental advocates over the balance between energy production and environmental protection.

The details

Sable Offshore began shipping crude through the pipeline on March 14, 2026, after the company spent two years inspecting, testing, and partially rebuilding the aging infrastructure. However, the restart has been delayed by disputes with regulators. In October 2025, the California State Fire Marshal notified Sable that certain sections of the pipeline showed corrosion and were not measured correctly. Sable disputed the Fire Marshal's position, arguing that certain safety checks can only be run after oil is flowing and that post-restart inspection will determine what permanent repairs are needed. Sable also faces a $18 million fine from the California Coastal Commission for conducting repairs without permits, as well as five felony charges and sixteen misdemeanors from the Santa Barbara County District Attorney for allegedly discharging pollutants into local waterways during the repair work.

  • The pipeline ruptured in May 2015, releasing roughly 101,000 gallons of crude oil near Refugio State Beach.
  • Sable Offshore Corp. began shipping crude through the pipeline on March 14, 2026, after the company spent two years inspecting, testing, and partially rebuilding the aging infrastructure.
  • In October 2025, the California State Fire Marshal notified Sable that certain sections of the pipeline showed corrosion and were not measured correctly.
  • Sable completed pressure testing of all pipeline segments by May 2025, but then received an $18 million fine from the California Coastal Commission for conducting repairs without permits.
  • California passed SB 237 in September 2025, requiring any pipeline idle for five or more years to obtain an entirely new Coastal Development Permit, effective January 1, 2026, just weeks before Sable's anticipated restart.

The players

Sable Offshore Corp.

The current owner of the pipeline, which purchased it from ExxonMobil in 2024 and has spent two years inspecting, testing, and partially rebuilding the aging infrastructure.

Plains All American Pipeline

The previous owner of the pipeline, which was responsible for the 2015 oil spill that released roughly 101,000 gallons of crude oil near Refugio State Beach.

ExxonMobil

The company that purchased the pipeline from Plains All American Pipeline in 2022 and then sold it to Sable Offshore Corp. in 2024.

California State Fire Marshal

The regulatory body that notified Sable in October 2025 that certain sections of the pipeline showed corrosion and were not measured correctly.

California Coastal Commission

The regulatory body that fined Sable Offshore $18 million, the largest fine in its history, for conducting repairs without permits.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.