Case: United States of America v. Plains All American Pipeline L.P.

2:20-cv-02415 | U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Filed Date: March 13, 2020

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

(This summary is temporary, while we research the case.)  On March 13, 2020,various organizations (the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the California State Lands Commission, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Regents of the University of California) filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Plains All Amer…

(This summary is temporary, while we research the case.) 

On March 13, 2020,various organizations (the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the California State Lands Commission, the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the Regents of the University of California) filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. and Plains Pipeline, L.P.

The plaintiffs' claims arose from the May 19, 2015 rupture of Plains' Line 901 near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County, which discharged nearly 3,000 barrels of crude oil through a culvert onto the beach and into the Pacific Ocean. Parties entered into a consent decree in 2020.  

In March 2026, plaintiffs filed an emergency motion to enforce the consent decree. The motion and subsesquent proceedings involved the potential restart of the Santa Ynez oil pipeline system. Plaintiffs argue this will violate the consent decree. The case is ongoing. 

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16968416/parties/united-states-of-america-v-plains-all-american-pipeline-lp/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Bachman, Stefan J (California)

Barclay-Strobel, Jessica (California)

Dorsi, Michael Stephen (California)

Durali, Sahar (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Devine, Colin A (California)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

2:20-cv-02415

Complaint For Relief Under Federal Pipeline Safety Laws; Clean Water Act; Oil Pollution Act; Lempert-Keene- Seastrand Oil Spill Prevention And Response Act; Porter-Cologne Water Pollution Control Act; California Fish And Game Code; And Elder California Pipeline Safety Act Of 1981

United States of America et al. v. Plains All American Pipeline L.P. et al.

March 13, 2020

March 13, 2020

Complaint
43

2:20-cv-02415

California Plaintiffs’ Ex Parte Emergency Motion To Enforce Consent Decree

United States of America et al. v. Plains All American Pipeline L.P.

March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16968416/united-states-of-america-v-plains-all-american-pipeline-lp/

Last updated Aug. 30, 2026, 3:09 a.m.

Docket for: United States of America v. Plains All American Pipeline L.P.
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 March 13, 2020

COMPLAINT No Fee Required - US Government, filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attorney Bradley R O'Brien added to party UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(pty:pla))(O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

Clearinghouse
2 March 13, 2020

CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

RECAP
3 March 13, 2020

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Bradley R O'Brien counsel for Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Adding Bradley R. O'Brien as counsel of record for United States of America for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

RECAP
4 March 13, 2020

NOTICE of Related Case(s) filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Related Case(s): 2:15-cv-04113; 2:15-cv-04440; 2:16-cv-02988; 2:16-cv-03157; 2:16-cv-02730; 2:16-cv-03283; 8:16-cv-01521; 2:17-cv-09304 (O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

RECAP
5 March 13, 2020

NOTICE filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Notice of Pendency or Other Actions (O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

RECAP
6 March 13, 2020

NOTICE OF LODGING filed Notice of Lodging of the Consent Decree re Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Consent Decree)(O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

1 Exhibit Consent Decree

View on RECAP

RECAP
7 March 13, 2020

PROOF OF SERVICE filed by Plaintiff UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, re Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel (G-123), 3, Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1, Notice of Related Case(s) 4, Notice of Lodging 6, Notice (Other) 5 served on 03/13/2020. (O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

RECAP
8 March 13, 2020

First NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Michael T Zarro on behalf of Plaintiff State Of California (Attorney Michael T Zarro added to party State Of California(pty:pla))(Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

RECAP
9 March 13, 2020

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Jessica Barclay-Strobel on behalf of Plaintiff State Of California (Attorney Jessica Barclay-Strobel added to party State Of California(pty:pla))(Barclay-Strobel, Jessica) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

RECAP
10 March 13, 2020

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Mitchell Elliott Rishe counsel for Plaintiffs California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission. Adding Mitchell Rishe as counsel of record for California Department of Parks and Recreation; California State Lands Commission for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff California Department of Parks and Recreation; California State Lands Commission. (Attorney Mitchell Elliott Rishe added to party California Department of Parks and Recreation(pty:pla), Attorney Mitchell Elliott Rishe added to party California State Lands Commission(pty:pla))(Rishe, Mitchell) (Entered: 03/13/2020)

RECAP
11 March 17, 2020

NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Stephen V. Wilson and Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar. (car) (Entered: 03/17/2020)

RECAP
12 March 17, 2020

NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (car) (Entered: 03/17/2020)

RECAP
13 March 18, 2020

NEW CASE ORDER upon filing of the complaint by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (pc) (Entered: 03/18/2020)

RECAP
14 March 18, 2020

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Colin A Devine on behalf of Defendants Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Plains Pipeline L.P. (Attorney Colin A Devine added to party Plains All American Pipeline L.P.(pty:dft), Attorney Colin A Devine added to party Plains Pipeline L.P.(pty:dft))(Devine, Colin) (Entered: 03/18/2020)

RECAP
15 March 18, 2020

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Henry Weissmann on behalf of Defendants Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Plains Pipeline L.P. (Attorney Henry Weissmann added to party Plains All American Pipeline L.P.(pty:dft), Attorney Henry Weissmann added to party Plains Pipeline L.P.(pty:dft))(Weissmann, Henry) (Entered: 03/18/2020)

RECAP
16 March 18, 2020

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Daniel Benjamin Levin on behalf of Defendants Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Plains Pipeline L.P. (Attorney Daniel Benjamin Levin added to party Plains All American Pipeline L.P.(pty:dft), Attorney Daniel Benjamin Levin added to party Plains Pipeline L.P.(pty:dft))(Levin, Daniel) (Entered: 03/18/2020)

RECAP
17 March 18, 2020

MINUTE ORDER IN CHAMBERS re DEFICIENCY IN ATTORNEY'S BUSINESS OR CONTACT INFORMATION by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. The contact information for attorney James Barton Lounsbury is deficient in that no email address is listed on the Court's docket. If you are counsel of record in a case currently pending in this district and you need to update your business or contact information, you must file and serve Form G-06 ("Notice of Change of Attorney Business or Contact Information") in each of your pending cases. (mrgo) (Entered: 03/18/2020)

RECAP
18 March 31, 2020

WAIVER OF SERVICE of Summons Returned Executed filed by plaintiff United States of America. upon Plains All American Pipeline L.P. waiver sent by Plaintiff on 3/13/2020, answer due 6/11/2020; Plains Pipeline L.P. waiver sent by Plaintiff on 3/13/2020, answer due 6/11/2020. Waiver of Service signed by Colin A. Devine. (O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 03/31/2020)

RECAP
19 April 1, 2020

Notice of Appearance filed by Plaintiff The Regents of the University of California (Lounsbury, James) (Entered: 04/01/2020)

RECAP
20 April 1, 2020

Notice of Change of Attorney Business or Contact Information (Lounsbury, James) (Entered: 04/01/2020)

RECAP
21 April 3, 2020

ORDER RE TRANSFER PURSUANT TO GENERAL ORDER 19-03-Related Case- filed. Related Case No: 2:15-cv-04113 PSG(JEMx). Case transferred from Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar and Judge Stephen V. Wilson to Judge Philip S. Gutierrez and Magistrate Judge John E. McDermott for all further proceedings. The case number will now reflect the initials of the transferee Judge 2:20-cv-02415 PSG(JEMx). Signed by Judge Philip S. Gutierrez (rn) (Entered: 04/03/2020)

RECAP
22 April 6, 2020

STANDING ORDER REGARDING NEWLY ASSIGNED CASES by Judge Philip S. Gutierrez. (ji) (Entered: 04/06/2020)

RECAP
23 April 8, 2020

NOTICE TO FILER OF DEFICIENCIES in Electronically Filed Documents RE: Miscellaneous Document 19 . The following error(s) was/were found: Incorrect event selected. Correct event to be used is: Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel G123. In response to this notice, the Court may: (1) order an amended or correct document to be filed; (2) order the document stricken; or (3) take other action as the Court deems appropriate. You need not take any action in response to this notice unless and until the Court directs you to do so. (ak) (Entered: 04/08/2020)

RECAP
24 April 8, 2020

NOTICE TO FILER OF DEFICIENCIES in Electronically Filed Documents RE: Miscellaneous Document 20 . The following error(s) was/were found: Incorrect event selected. Correct event to be used is: Notice of Change of Attorney Business or Contact Information G6. In response to this notice, the Court may: (1) order an amended or correct document to be filed; (2) order the document stricken; or (3) take other action as the Court deems appropriate. You need not take any action in response to this notice unless and until the Court directs you to do so. (ak) (Entered: 04/08/2020)

RECAP
25 June 10, 2020

STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Answer to September 9, 2020 re Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) 1 filed by Defendants Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Plains Pipeline L.P.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Stipulation to Extend Time to Respond to Complaint)(Levin, Daniel) (Entered: 06/10/2020)

RECAP
26 June 11, 2020

ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION TO EXTEND TIME TO RESPOND TO COMPLAINT 25, by Judge Philip S. Gutierrez: Upon presentation of the parties' stipulation and good cause shown, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendants' response to Plaintiffs' Complaint shall be due September 9, 2020. (bm) (Entered: 06/11/2020)

RECAP
27 Aug. 19, 2020

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Approve Consent Judgment filed by plaintiff United States of America. Motion set for hearing on 10/26/2020 at 01:30 PM before Judge Philip S. Gutierrez. (O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 08/19/2020)

RECAP
28 Aug. 19, 2020

MEMORANDUM in Support of NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Approve Consent Judgment 27 filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Response to Comments, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Public Comments, # 3 Exhibit 3 - O'Brien Declaration, # 4 Exhibit 4 - Hoidal Declaration, # 5 Exhibit 5 - Butler Declaration, # 6 Exhibit 6 - Cullen Declaration, # 7 Exhibit 7 - Christensen Declaration, # 8 Exhibit 8 - FIR Exec Summary, # 9 Exhibit 9 - Anderson Declaration, # 10 Exhibit 10 - DARP Exec Summary, # 11 Exhibit 11 - Zafonte Declaration, # 12 Proposed Order)(O'Brien, Bradley) (Entered: 08/19/2020)

RECAP
29 Aug. 19, 2020

JOINDER in NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Approve Consent Judgment 27 filed by Plaintiffs California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, The People of the State of California. (Attorney Michael T Zarro added to party California Department of Parks and Recreation(pty:pla), Attorney Michael T Zarro added to party California State Lands Commission(pty:pla))(Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 08/19/2020)

RECAP
30 Sept. 1, 2020

STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Answer to November 23, 2020 filed by Defendants Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Plains Pipeline L.P.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Extension of Time to Respond to Complaint to November 23, 2020)(Devine, Colin) (Entered: 09/01/2020)

RECAP
31 Sept. 2, 2020

ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION TO EXTEND TIME TO RESPOND TO COMPLAINT 30 by Judge Philip S. Gutierrez: Upon presentation of the parties' stipulation and good cause shown, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Defendants' response to Plaintiffs' Complaint shall be due November 23, 2020. PURSUANT TO STIPULATION, IT IS SO ORDERED. (bm) (Entered: 09/02/2020)

RECAP
32 Oct. 5, 2020

NOTICE OF NON-OPPOSITION to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Approve Consent Judgment 27 filed by Defendants Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Plains Pipeline L.P.. (Weissmann, Henry) (Entered: 10/05/2020)

RECAP
33 Oct. 14, 2020

ORDER TO ENTER CONSENT DECREE 27 by Judge Philip S. Gutierrez: For the reasons set forth in the United States' Motion to Enter Consent Decree and Memorandum of Law in Support thereof that was filed on August 19, 2020 and for good cause shown, the Consent Decree that was lodged on March 13, 2020 (Docket No. 6-1), is hereby ENTERED and shall constitute final judgment of the Court in this matter. MD JS-6. Case Terminated. (yl) (Entered: 10/15/2020)

RECAP
34 March 6, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Stefan J Bachman counsel for Plaintiff United States of America. Adding Stefan J. Bachman as counsel of record for United States of America for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attorney Stefan J Bachman added to party United States of America(pty:pla))(Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

RECAP
35 March 6, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Stefan J Bachman counsel for Plaintiff United States of America. Bradley R O'Brien is no longer counsel of record for the aforementioned party in this case for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

RECAP
36 March 9, 2026

Joint STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Response and Reply filed by plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Mo, Angela) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
37 March 10, 2026

NOTICE OF REASSIGNMENT OF CASE due to Unavailability of Judicial Officer filed. The previously assigned District Judge is no longer available. Pursuant to directive of the Chief District Judge and in accordance with the rules of this Court, the case has been returned to the Clerk for reassignment. This case has been reassigned to Judge Stephen V. Wilson for all further proceedings. Case number will now read as 2:20-cv-02415-SVW-JEMx. (lh) (Entered: 03/10/2026)

RECAP
38 March 10, 2026

NOTICE OF REASSIGNMENT OF CASE due to Unavailability of Judicial Officer filed. The previously assigned Magistrate Judge is no longer available. Pursuant to directive of the Chief Magistrate Judge and in accordance with the rules of this Court, the case has been returned to the Clerk for reassignment. This case has been reassigned to Magistrate Judge Stephanie S. Christensen for any discovery and/or post-judgment matters that may be referred. Case number will now read as 2:20-cv-2415-SVW-SSCx. (lh) (Entered: 03/10/2026)

RECAP
39 March 10, 2026

(Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 03/10/2026)

RECAP
40 March 10, 2026

(Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 03/10/2026)

RECAP
41 March 13, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Sahar Durali counsel for Plaintiff California State Lands Commission. Adding Sahar Durali as counsel of record for California State Lands Commission for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff California State Lands Commission. (Attorney Sahar Durali added to party California State Lands Commission(pty:pla))(Durali, Sahar) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

RECAP
42 March 16, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Elizabeth S St John counsel for Plaintiff California State Lands Commission. Adding Elizabeth S. St. John as counsel of record for California State Lands Commission for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Plaintiff California State Lands Commission. (Attorney Elizabeth S St John added to party California State Lands Commission(pty:pla))(St John, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

RECAP
43 March 16, 2026

EX PARTE APPLICATION for Order for Emergency order enforcing the Consent Decree filed by Plaintiff California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation. (Attachments: # 1 Request for Judicial Notice, # 2 Declaration Declaration of Dena Bellman, # 3 Proposed Order) (Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

1 Request for Judicial Notice

View on PACER

2 Declaration Declaration of Dena Bellman

View on PACER

3 Proposed Order

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
44 March 17, 2026

Opposition re: EX PARTE APPLICATION for Order for Emergency order enforcing the Consent Decree 43 filed by Miscellaneous Sable Offshore Corp., Pacific Pipeline Company. (Attachments: # 1 Request for Judicial Notice, # 2 Declaration of J. Caldwell Flores, # 3 Exhibit A, # 4 Exhibit B, # 5 Exhibit C, # 6 Exhibit D, # 7 Exhibit E)(Attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina added to party Sable Offshore Corp. (pty:misc), Attorney Jessica Stebbins Bina added to party Pacific Pipeline Company(pty:misc))(Stebbins Bina, Jessica) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

1 Request for Judicial Notice

View on RECAP

2 Declaration of J. Caldwell Flores

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit A

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit B

View on PACER

5 Exhibit C

View on PACER

6 Exhibit D

View on PACER

7 Exhibit E

View on PACER

RECAP
45 March 17, 2026

OPPOSITION in opposition to re: EX PARTE APPLICATION for Order for Emergency order enforcing the Consent Decree 43 filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Rod M. Seeley, # 2 Declaration of Dustin Hubbard)(Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

1 Declaration of Rod M. Seeley

View on RECAP

2 Declaration of Dustin Hubbard

View on RECAP

RECAP
46 March 18, 2026

First REQUEST to Supplement CALIFORNIA PLAINTIFFS SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST FOR JUDICIAL NOTICE IN SUPPORT OF EX PARTE EMERGENCY MOTION TO ENFORCE CONSENT DECREE re EX PARTE APPLICATION for Order for Emergency order enforcing the Consent Decree 43 filed by Plaintiffs California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife. (Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

RECAP
47 March 23, 2026

MINUTES OF ORDER DENYING PLAINTIFFS' EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR AN EMERGENCY ORDER 43 by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiffs' application is DENIED. (See document for further details).; denying 43 EX PARTE APPLICATION for Order for Emergency order enforcing the Consent Decree. (aco) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

RECAP
48 March 27, 2026

Joint STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Response and Reply filed by United States of America United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 03/27/2026)

1 Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
49 March 30, 2026

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Order for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree filed by Plaintiff United States of America. Motion set for hearing on 6/1/2026 at 01:30 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Joint Stipulation, # 2 Exhibit B - Declaration of Rod M. Seeley, # 3 Exhibit C - Declaration of Dustin Hubbard, # 4 Exhibit D - Declaration of Stefan J. Bachman, # 5 Proposed Order) (Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

1 Exhibit A - Joint Stipulation

View on PACER

2 Exhibit B - Declaration of Rod M. Seeley

View on PACER

3 Exhibit C - Declaration of Dustin Hubbard

View on PACER

4 Exhibit D - Declaration of Stefan J. Bachman

View on PACER

5 Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
50 March 31, 2026

APPLICATION of Non-Resident Attorney Nicholas McDaniel to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Miscellaneous Pacific Pipeline Company, Sable Offshore Corp. (Pro Hac Vice Fee - $450 Fee Paid, Receipt No. ACACDC-41872956) filed by Non-Parties Pacific Pipeline Company, Sable Offshore Corp.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Stebbins Bina, Jessica) (Entered: 03/31/2026)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

RECAP
51 March 31, 2026

ORDER by Judge Stephen V. Wilson: granting 50 Non-Resident Attorney Nicholas McDaniel APPLICATION to Appear Pro Hac Vice on behalf of Miscellaneous Pacific Pipeline Company, Sable Offshore Corp., designating Jessica Stebbins Bina as local counsel. THERE IS NO PDF ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY(aus) (Entered: 03/31/2026)

RECAP
March 31, 2026

Appear Pro Hac Vice

52 April 1, 2026

JOINDER in NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Order for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree 49 filed by Defendants Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Plains Pipeline L.P.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Patrick Hodgins)(Devine, Colin) (Entered: 04/01/2026)

1 Declaration of Patrick Hodgins

View on PACER

RECAP
53 April 1, 2026

RESPONSE IN SUPPORT of NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Order for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree 49 Nonparties Sable Offshore Corp. and Pacific Pipeline Company's Memorandum in Support of the United States' Motion to Terminate Consent Decree filed by Miscellaneous Pacific Pipeline Company, Sable Offshore Corp.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of J. Caldwell Flores, # 2 Request for Judicial Notice)(McDaniel, Nicholas) (Entered: 04/01/2026)

1 Declaration Declaration of J. Caldwell Flores

View on PACER

2 Request for Judicial Notice

View on PACER

RECAP
54 April 13, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Michael T Zarro on behalf of Plaintiffs California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife, The People of the State of California, The Regents of the University of California (Attorney Michael T Zarro added to party The Regents of the University of California(pty:pla))(Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 04/13/2026)

RECAP
55 April 13, 2026

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Enforce CONSENT DECREE filed by Plaintiffs California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission. Motion set for hearing on 6/1/2026 at 01:30 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (Attachments: # 1 Supplement CALIFORNIA PLAINTIFFS REQUEST FOR JUDICIAL NOTICE AND DECLARATION OF MICHAEL S. DORSI IN SUPPORT OF MOTION TO ENFORCE CONSENT DECREE AND OPPOSITION TO MOTION TO TERMINATE OR MODIFY CONSENT DECREE, # 2 Proposed Order PROPOSED ORDER) (Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 04/13/2026)

1 Supplement CALIFORNIA PLAINTIFFS REQUEST FOR JUDICIAL NOTICE AND DECLARATION OF

View on PACER

2 Proposed Order PROPOSED ORDER

View on PACER

RECAP
56 April 16, 2026

ORDER ON JOINT STIPULATION TO SET COORDINATED BRIEFING SCHEDULE FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'S MOTION TO TERMINATE THE CONSENT DECREE AND STATE AGENCY PLAINTIFFS' MOTION TO ENFORCE by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. Based on the stipulation of the Parties and Sable, and for good cause shown, the Court hereby APPROVES the Joint Stipulation to Set Coordinated Briefing Schedule for the United States of America's Motion to Terminate the Consent Decree and State Agency Plaintiffs' Motion to Enforce and hereby ORDERS: 1. The United States shall file its motion to terminate the consent decree on or before March 30, 2026. (See document for further details). (aco) (Entered: 04/16/2026)

RECAP
57 April 24, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Angela Mo counsel for Plaintiff United States of America. Angela Mo is no longer counsel of record for the aforementioned party in this case for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by plaintiff United States of America. (Mo, Angela) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

RECAP
58 April 27, 2026

First NOTICE of Appearance filed by attorney Matthew T Struhar on behalf of Plaintiff California Department of Parks and Recreation (Attorney Matthew T Struhar added to party California Department of Parks and Recreation(pty:pla))(Struhar, Matthew) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

RECAP
59 April 27, 2026

REPLY Plains' Reply to California Plaintiffs' Opposition to Termination of Consent Decree NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Enforce CONSENT DECREE 55 filed by Defendants Plains All American Pipeline L.P., Plains Pipeline L.P.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Patrick Hodgins)(Devine, Colin) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

1 Declaration of Patrick Hodgins

View on PACER

RECAP
60 April 27, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Opposition to CA Motion to Enforce Consent Decree and Reply to CA Opposition to US Motion to Terminate or Modify Consent Decree filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Moore Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Consent Decree, # 3 Exhibit 1988 Settlement Agreement)(Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

1 Exhibit Moore Declaration

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Consent Decree

View on PACER

3 Exhibit 1988 Settlement Agreement

View on PACER

RECAP
61 April 27, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Opposition to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Enforce CONSENT DECREE 55 Nonparties Sable Offshore Corp. and Pacific Pipeline Company's Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Enforce and Reply in Support of Motion to Terminate filed by Miscellaneous Pacific Pipeline Company, Sable Offshore Corp.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration J. Caldwell Flores, # 2 Declaration B. Lance Yearwood)(McDaniel, Nicholas) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

1 Declaration J. Caldwell Flores

View on PACER

2 Declaration B. Lance Yearwood

View on PACER

RECAP
62 May 11, 2026

REPLY NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Order for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree 49, NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Enforce CONSENT DECREE 55 filed by Plaintiffs California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Michael S. Dorsi and Exhibits 1-9, # 2 Exhibit Request for Judicial Notice, # 3 Exhibit Objections to Evidence)(Dorsi, Michael) (Entered: 05/11/2026)

1 Exhibit Declaration of Michael S. Dorsi and Exhibits 1-9

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Request for Judicial Notice

View on PACER

3 Exhibit Objections to Evidence

View on PACER

RECAP
63 May 16, 2026

OBJECTIONS to Reply (Motion related),, 62 Unauthorized Supplemental Opposition to United States' Motion to Terminate or Modify Consent Decree filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 05/16/2026)

RECAP
64 May 20, 2026

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE of California Attorney General Office Alice M. Segal on behalf of Plaintiff California Department of Parks and Recreation. (Attorney Alice Segal added to party California Department of Parks and Recreation(pty:pla))(Segal, Alice) (Entered: 05/20/2026)

RECAP
65 May 21, 2026

REQUEST for Leave of Alice M. Segal to Appear for Remote/Videoconference filed by Plaintiff California Department of Parks and Recreation. Request set for hearing on 6/1/2026 at 01:30 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Alice M. Segal In Support of Request to Appear Remotely, # 2 Supplement Certificate of Service, # 3 Proposed Order) (Segal, Alice) (Entered: 05/21/2026)

1 Declaration Declaration of Alice M. Segal In Support of Request to Appear Remote

View on RECAP

2 Supplement Certificate of Service

View on PACER

3 Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
66 May 27, 2026

(IN CHAMBERS) ORDER AND SCHEDULING NOTICE by Judge Stephen V. Wilson: The Court, on its own motion, hereby CONTINUES the hearings on the MOTION for Order for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree 49 and MOTION to Enforce CONSENT DECREE 55 from June 1, 2026, to June 8, 2026, at 1:30 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. The Request to Appear Remotely 65 is DENIED AS MOOT. SO ORDERED. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (dta) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 05/27/2026)

RECAP
May 27, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

67 June 1, 2026

REQUEST for Leave of Myung Park and Matt Bullock to Appear for Remote (Observation Only) filed by Plaintiff California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission. Request set for hearing on 6/8/2026 at 01:30 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Dorsi, Michael) (Entered: 06/01/2026)

RECAP
68 June 2, 2026

ORDER by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. DENIED BY ORDER OF THE COURT.; denying 67 REQUEST for Leave of Myung Park and Matt Bullock to Appear for Remote. (aco) (Entered: 06/02/2026)

RECAP
70 June 8, 2026

MINUTES OF NEW CASE STATUS CONFERENCE; MOTION for Preliminary Injunction re AND STAY AGAINST ALL DEFENDANTS filed by Plaintiff 16 held before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. Case called. For the reasons stated on the record, the Court ORDERS the parties to file supplemental briefs, not to exceed 25 pages, within 10 days of this hearing and Reply briefs, not to exceed 14 pages, 7 days after that deadline. As explained by the Court, the briefs should address the issues discussed at the hearing. As discussed, each of the two submitted briefs and the two submitted Reply briefs shall be filed jointly by all parties with aligned interests in the case. Identical copies of these briefs shall be filed, on the same timeline, in the related case: 2:26-cv-03396-SVW-SSC. Court Recorder: c/s 6-8-2026. (aco) (Entered: 06/10/2026)

RECAP
69 June 9, 2026

TRANSCRIPT ORDER as to Interested Party for Court Smart (CS). Court will contact Coy Monk at cmonk@aftoncapital.com with further instructions regarding this order. Transcript preparation will not begin until payment has been satisfied with the transcription company. (cr) (Entered: 06/09/2026)

RECAP
71 June 11, 2026

TRANSCRIPT for proceedings held on 6/8/26 2:06 P.M..Electronic Court Recorder: EXCEPTIONAL REPORTING SERVICES, INC, phone number 361-949-2988. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Electronic Court Recorder before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Notice of Intent to Redact due within 7 days of this date. Redaction Request due 7/2/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 7/13/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/9/2026. (dag) (Entered: 06/11/2026)

RECAP
72 June 11, 2026

NOTICE OF FILING TRANSCRIPT filed for proceedings 6/8/26 2:06 P.M. re Transcript 71 THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY.(dag) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 06/11/2026)

RECAP
June 11, 2026

Notice of Filing Transcript

73 June 12, 2026

TRANSCRIPT ORDER Sable Offshore Corp. for Court Smart (CS). Court will contact Karin Sanders at karin.sanders@lw.com with further instructions regarding this order. Transcript preparation will not begin until payment has been satisfied with the transcription company. (siv) (Entered: 06/12/2026)

RECAP
74 June 15, 2026

NOTICE OF CLERICAL ERROR: Due to clerical error Re: Transcript (CV),, 71 (siv) (Entered: 06/15/2026)

RECAP
75 June 15, 2026

TRANSCRIPT for proceedings held on 6/8/2026, 2:06 p.m.. Electronic Court Recorder: Exceptional Reporting Services, Inc., phone number 361 949-2988. Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Electronic Court Recorder before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Notice of Intent to Redact due within 7 days of this date. Redaction Request due 7/6/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 7/16/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/14/2026. (siv) (Entered: 06/15/2026)

RECAP
76 June 15, 2026

NOTICE OF FILING TRANSCRIPT filed for proceedings 6/8/2026, 2:06 p.m. re Transcript 75 THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (siv) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 06/15/2026)

RECAP
June 15, 2026

Notice of Filing Transcript

77 June 18, 2026

SUPPLEMENT to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Order for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree 49, NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Enforce CONSENT DECREE 55 filed by Plaintiffs California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission. (Dorsi, Michael) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

RECAP
78 June 18, 2026

JOINT POST-HEARING BRIEF re NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Order for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree 49, NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Enforce CONSENT DECREE 55 filed by Plaintiff United States of America. (Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

RECAP
79 June 25, 2026

REPLY filed by Plaintiff United States of America to Supplement(Motion related), 77 (Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 06/25/2026)

RECAP
80 June 25, 2026

REPLY PLAINTIFFS JOINT REPLY TO DEFENDANTS AND INTERVENORS JOINT POSTHEARING BRIEF FILED PURSUANT TO INSTRUCTION AT JUNE 8, 2026 HEARING filed by Plaintiffs California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California State Lands Commission, Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish and Wildlife. (Zarro, Michael) (Entered: 06/25/2026)

RECAP
81 June 26, 2026

Notice Pacific Pipeline Company, Sable Offshore Corp.. Nonparties Sable Offshore Corp. and Pacific Pipeline Company's Supplement to Request for Judicial Notice in Support of Motion for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree (McDaniel, Nicholas) (Entered: 06/26/2026)

RECAP
82 July 7, 2026

TRANSCRIPT ORDER as to Party of Interest for Court Smart (CS). Court will contact TYLER MEOTTI at TMEOTTI@LEVINCAP.COM with further instructions regarding this order. Transcript preparation will not begin until payment has been satisfied with the transcription company. (jvc) (Entered: 07/07/2026)

RECAP
83 July 16, 2026

NOTICE of Entry of RULING, re: Status Conference - optional html form,,, 70, filed by Plaintiff California Department of Forestry and Fire Protections Office of State Fire Marshal. (Dorsi, Michael) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

RECAP
84 July 20, 2026

RESPONSE filed by Miscellaneous Pacific Pipeline Company, Sable Offshore Corp. to Notice of Entry of Decision or Ruling by a Judge of this Court 83 (Stebbins Bina, Jessica) (Entered: 07/20/2026)

RECAP
85 July 28, 2026

RESPONSE filed by Plaintiff United States of Americato Notice of Entry of Decision or Ruling by a Judge of this Court 83 (Bachman, Stefan) (Entered: 07/28/2026)

RECAP
86 Aug. 19, 2026

ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO MODIFY THE CONSENT DECREE IN US V. PLAINS 49, GRANTING IN PART MOTION TO ENFORCE THE CONSENT DECREE 55, AND ADDRESSING PENDING MOTIONS IN RELATED PIPELINE ACTIONS: (1) DENYING A MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION IN CALIFORNIA V. WRIGHT 16, (2) DENYING A MOTION TO DISMISS IN SABLE V. QUINTERO 27, AND (3) GRANTING A MOTION TO REMAND IN BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY V. CALIFORNIA 46 by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. For the foregoing reasons, and in the manner described, supra: the motion to modify the consent decree in US v. Plains is GRANTED; the motion to enforce the Consent Decree in US v. Plains is GRANTED IN PART; the motion for preliminary injunction in Wright is DENIED; the motion to dismiss in Quintero is DENIED. Judgment in Quintero is DECLARED, and the case is closed; and the motion for remand in Biodiversity is GRANTED. Accordingly, the Court hereby: (1) MODIFIES the Consent Decree in US v. Plains to terminate the ongoing requirements for Plains, substitute PHMSA for OSFM, and incorporate by reference the requirements of the State Waivers, including the substance of some California state law; (2) ENFORCES the Consent Decree by imposing on Sable a penalty of $1.449 million; (3) DECLARES that the Defense Production Act, through Secretary Wright's allocation order, bars California's Department of Parks and Recreation from bringing legal action to prevent Sable from complying with the DPA Order by operating the Onshore Pipeline; and (4) REMANDS Biodiversity to Santa Barbara Superior Court. (See document for further details).; granting 49 MOTION for Order for Termination or Modification of the Consent Decree; granting in part 55 MOTION to Enforce CONSENT DECREE. (aco) (Entered: 08/19/2026)

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Environmental Justice

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 13, 2020

Closing Date: Oct. 14, 2020

Case Ongoing: Yes

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Central District of California 2:20-cv-02415

Recommended Citation