Santa Barbara, Calif. – On Tuesday, the Environmental Defense Center (EDC) joined several local conservation groups in filing a federal lawsuit that challenges a special permit issued by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for Sable Offshore’s on‑shore pipelines CA‑324 and CA‑325.
Local groups argue federal overreach
EDC, Get Oil Out!, the Santa Barbara County Action Network, the Sierra Club and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper contend that the permit unlawfully removes regulatory authority from California and violates the Pipeline Safety Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. “This permit is part of an unprecedented federal effort to bring back defective pipelines over the objections of the state and our community,” said EDC Chief Counsel Linda Krop.
The lawsuit also points to recent findings by Sable that it has identified twelve potential anomalies – possible defects – in its pipeline system, which the company says require excavation and repair. A local news report noted that seven of those anomalies have already been excavated, with more work planned along the Gaviota Coast.
Trump administration’s role
Earlier this year, the Trump administration used authority under the Defense Production Act to order Sable to resume operations after a shutdown, allowing the pipelines to transport vital fuel to the Central Coast. Supporters argue that the administration’s decisive action helped keep energy supplies stable for local businesses and families.
County supervisors push back on Hunt Amendment
In a related development, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted 3‑1 to oppose the so‑called Hunt Amendment, a provision added to the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027. The amendment, introduced by Texas Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt, would let the Secretary of Defense acquire easements along the Santa Ynez Pipeline System through purchase, donation, exchange or condemnation.
Supervisors emphasized the importance of local control. “It’s really about what we do up here, about whether local communities retain the authority to ensure that pipelines operating in their backyards meet the safety and environmental standards required by law,” Supervisor Laura Capps said. Supervisor Steve Lavagnino added that the vote was grounded in the principle of local land‑use authority. Board Chair Bob Nelson voted against sending the opposition letter, while Supervisor Joan Hartmann recused herself because her property borders the pipeline route.
Next steps
The county plans to forward its opposition to Senate leadership, noting that the amendment is not currently included in the Senate version of the defense authorization bill. Meanwhile, EDC’s lawsuit will proceed in federal court, separate from an earlier appeal in the Ninth Circuit that also challenges the federal takeover of pipeline regulation.
Both the legal challenge and the county’s opposition highlight ongoing tensions between federal energy policy and local stewardship of California’s coastal environment.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
