California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy to halt the restart of the Sable Offshore pipeline system, which connects the Santa Ynez offshore platform to California refineries.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright restarted the pipeline earlier this month using authority granted through a presidential executive order that invoked the Defense Production Act. The executive order, signed by President Donald Trump, allows federal officials to override state regulations in certain circumstances.

The Sable Offshore pipeline system has been the subject of long-standing disputes and was previously shut down following a 2015 oil spill. The pipeline system transports oil from offshore platforms to onshore refineries in California.

Bonta characterized the federal action as "outrageous federal overreach," arguing that the restart bypasses state environmental protections and regulatory oversight. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the Energy Department from continuing to operate the pipeline under the Defense Production Act authority.

The case represents a broader conflict between federal and state authorities over energy infrastructure projects, particularly in states with strict environmental regulations. California has historically maintained stringent oversight of oil and gas operations within its jurisdiction.

The outcome of the lawsuit could set precedent for how the Defense Production Act can be used to override state environmental regulations for energy infrastructure projects.