A federal agency has approved controversial efforts to restart the Santa Barbara County oil pipeline, which ruptured in 2015, resulting in a massive spill. However, environmental groups have filed a lawsuit to try to block the effort.
The Federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration approved Sable Offshore Corporation's efforts to restart the pipeline on December 22. The resumption of pipeline operations would allow Sable to restart production from three offshore oil platforms.
Environmental groups have opposed the restart efforts, asserting that resuming operations would set the stage for another disaster involving the decades-old infrastructure. Sable contends that it has been repaired and tested the system, and added safety measures well beyond what's required.
The 2015 accident spilled 140,000 gallons of crude oil on the Gaviota Coast.
Sable had sought restart approval from the California Fire Marshal's Office, which regulates numerous pipelines in the state. However, after those efforts stalled, Sable claimed the pipeline meets the requirements for being managed by federal regulators and requested approval from a federal pipeline agency. In just a few weeks, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) approved the restart.
After word came that the pipeline restart had been granted, the Santa Barbara-based Environmental Defense Center and more than half a dozen other groups filed suit against the U.S. Department of Transportation, PHMSA, and some key officials. The suit asserts the federal agency ignored federal laws requiring environmental review and public input before making a decision.
On Friday afternoon, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said it would accept briefs related to the case. EDC officials say they expect a ruling Tuesday.
The EDC officials said Sable and the Trump Administration are rushing to get the pipeline operational before the end of the year. They contend it's an effort to skirt a new law that takes effect on January 1, which would require Sable to obtain a State Coastal Commission permit before it can restart the pipeline.
Several state and county permits in California and Santa Barbara County are necessary for operating the facilities, and the status of some of these is questionable. There are multiple lawsuits linked to the controversy. Additionally, there's a court ruling that requires Sable to provide 10 days' notice to environmental groups of its intention to restart the pipeline.
