California leaders on Sunday blasted the Trump administration’s attempt to restart the dormant Sable Offshore pipeline, calling the move illegal, environmentally dangerous and ineffective at lowering gas prices.

Governor Gavin Newsom said President Donald Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright improperly invoked the Defense Production Act to force the pipeline back into operation despite court orders and state safety regulations. State officials argue the pipeline would contribute only 0.05% of global oil production, making it too small to affect worldwide fuel prices.

California officials also blamed rising gas prices on disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz tied to U.S. military actions in Iran, saying the administration is using the crisis to justify expanded offshore drilling.

The pipeline has been shut down since a 2015 oil spill near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County, which released about 142,000 gallons of crude oil, killed wildlife and forced fisheries closures.

State leaders said restarting the line would violate court orders and California law, noting that new safety requirements under SB 237 (2025) must be met before any restart. California officials say they will challenge the federal action in court and defend the state’s coastline and its $51-billion coastal economy.