Oil flows through Santa Barbara coastal pipeline for first time in decade amid Trump's fight with California - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times
March 16, 2026
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Oil pipeline in Santa Barbara resumes operations after decade-long closure, marking Trump administration shift toward energy expansion.

How This Affects You

Santa Barbara coastal residents face increased risk of oil spills similar to the 2015 Refugio spill that contaminated beaches and wildlife habitats.

AI Summary

Oil has resumed flowing through a Santa Barbara coastal pipeline for the first time in ten years, marking a shift in the Trump administration's energy policy as it clashes with California regulators over offshore drilling. The pipeline had been shut down following the 2015 Refugio State Beach oil spill, one of California's worst environmental disasters in recent years. The reopening reflects the Trump administration's push to expand domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign oil, a priority that has put it at odds with California's stricter environmental standards. The move is likely to intensify the existing tension between federal energy policy and state environmental enforcement, with California officials opposing expanded offshore operations along its coast.

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