California Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken a firm stand against the Trump administration by announcing a lawsuit concerning two oil pipelines in the state. This lawsuit hinges on what Bonta describes as an overreach by the federal government, specifically the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). He asserts that PHMSA’s decision to assert federal jurisdiction over these pipelines and allow their restart is unlawful.
During a news conference at Dockweiler State Beach, Bonta provided a detailed account of the situation. He claims that federal approval has been granted to Sable Offshore Corp. to resume pumping oil through pipelines connecting Santa Barbara County to Kern County. This action is particularly contentious given the history of one of these pipelines, which experienced a catastrophic failure in 2015. The resulting Refugio oil spill released over 100,000 gallons of heavy crude oil into the environment, with at least 21,000 gallons contaminating the Pacific Ocean.
Bonta’s arguments center on state rights and the control of natural resources. He emphasized that since the pipelines are entirely located within California borders and do not cross into federal waters, they should be under the state’s jurisdiction. “Oversight of the pipelines is controlled by California, not the federal government,” Bonta stated. His point underscores a larger debate about federal versus state authority, particularly in environmental matters.
The Attorney General criticized the Trump administration’s actions as part of a pattern of undermining California’s regulatory power. According to Bonta, the approval issued to Sable represents a “sham emergency permit” granted without any legitimate emergency, which he argues is designed to benefit the oil industry at the expense of state oversight. “In short, the Trump administration broke the law again, which is why we are suing again,” he asserted, emphasizing the recurring nature of these legal confrontations.
This lawsuit marks the 55th instance in which California has taken legal action against the Trump administration. It is significant not merely on its face but also in the broader context of multiple legal battles that have seen California asserting its rights against federal directives. Bonta clarifies that the lawsuit is not about the merits of restarting the pipelines but about who holds the power to make that decision—the state of California or the federal government. “The answer is clear: the state of California gets to decide,” he insisted.
In the eyes of Bonta, the Trump administration’s attempt to classify the pipelines as “interstate” is, in his words, “a fantasy.” By labeling them as part of a wider network that allegedly extends into federal waters, Bonta believes the administration is crafting a pretext to encroach upon state jurisdiction. This legal battle is emblematic of a larger conflict between state regulatory agencies and federal oversight, showcasing the tensions that characterize so many interactions between California and the federal government in recent years.
Bonta’s declaration of this lawsuit highlights a significant moment in the ongoing discussion of energy policy, state rights, and environmental responsibility. The outcome may hold implications not just for the pipelines in question but also for future state-federal relations regarding energy and environmental issues.
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