On April 15, 2025, environmental groups filed two lawsuits in Santa Barbara County against the Office of the State Fire Marshal, arguing that the fire marshal did not comply with environmental review and pipeline safety laws before issuing the waivers for the Las Flores pipeline.
The Environmental Defense Center and the Center for Biological Diversity filed suit against the State Fire Marshal, arguing that the office granted the waivers without conducting any environmental review or a public hearing.
In a separate suit, the Environmental Defense Center argued that the State Fire Marshal approved the waivers without properly considering the risks of operating the pipeline, conducting an environmental review, or allowing for public input.
EDC filed the suit on behalf of the Sierra Club, Get Oil Out! (GOO), the Santa Barbara County Action Network (SBCAN), Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, and EDC’s members.