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Judge Upholds Injunction Against Sable Offshore Pipeline Restart
Sable expected to appeal ruling that prevents restarting pipeline without required approvals
Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:25am
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A legal battle over the restart of an offshore oil pipeline exposes the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over energy regulation.Santa Barbara TodayA Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge has refused to end an injunction that prevents Sable Offshore Corp. from restarting its Central Coast pipeline without required approvals. The ruling comes a month after the Trump Administration ordered Sable to restart oil production at its Santa Ynez Unit in federal waters off the Santa Barbara coast.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing legal battle between state and federal authorities over the regulation of offshore oil operations. The judge's decision upholds California's authority to have a final say over the restart of Sable's pipeline, despite the Trump Administration's order to resume production.
The details
Judge Donna Geck rejected Sable's argument that the Trump Administration's order allows the company to ignore state laws or court orders that prevent it from restarting the pipeline. There is a binding federal court order giving California the final say over the pipeline's restart. Sable is expected to appeal the ruling.
- On March 13, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued an order directing Sable to restart oil production at its Santa Ynez Unit.
- On April 17, Judge Donna Geck refused to end the injunction preventing Sable from restarting its Central Coast pipeline without required approvals.
The players
Sable Offshore Corp.
A Houston-based oil and gas company that operates the Santa Ynez Unit off the coast of Santa Barbara County.
Judge Donna Geck
A Santa Barbara County Superior Court judge who ruled against Sable's attempt to lift the injunction on its pipeline.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright
The Trump Administration official who issued an order directing Sable to restart oil production at its Santa Ynez Unit.
Environmental Defense Center
A Santa Barbara-based nonprofit law firm leading the opposition to Sable's project.
What’s next
Sable is expected to appeal Judge Geck's ruling upholding the injunction on the pipeline restart.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities over the regulation of offshore oil operations, with California asserting its authority to have the final say on the restart of Sable's pipeline despite the Trump Administration's order.
