In a controversial move, Sable Offshore Corp. has convinced federal authorities to take control of its oil and gas pipelines in Santa Barbara County, California, despite the pipelines never crossing state lines. This decision has sparked debate and left many wondering: who is responsible for ensuring the safety of these pipelines?
The story begins with Sable's petition to the federal government, seeking to regain control of its pipelines after a 2015 oil spill led to increased state oversight. Interestingly, these pipelines had been classified as interstate projects and overseen by federal agencies for years, despite never leaving California. But here's where it gets controversial: Sable's request was granted, and the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) declared the pipelines as interstate, removing them from state regulation.
Sable's letter to PHMSA argued that the pipelines connecting the Santa Ynez Unit to Kern County should be considered interstate under the Pipeline Safety Act. PHMSA agreed, stating that it has the authority to set and enforce safety standards for such pipelines, and that state regulations are preempted in this case.
However, Sable's victory may be short-lived. Jeremy Frankel, an attorney with the Environmental Defense Council, clarified that Sable still needs easements and other approvals before restarting the pipeline. This includes an injunction and a federal consent decree, which Sable must navigate around.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has been overseeing these pipelines since the 2015 spill, due to a court decree. With PHMSA's decision, OSFM's role in protecting Californians from potential pipeline issues has been removed. The State of California is now reviewing this change and considering its options.
But the question remains: is this the right call? Sable's pipelines have a history of issues, and some argue that federal oversight may not be as responsive as local authorities. And this is the part most people miss: the potential impact on the environment and local communities if these pipelines are not properly regulated.
What do you think? Should Sable's pipelines be under federal or state control? How can we ensure the safety of these pipelines and the communities they affect? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss this complex issue further.
