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Carbajal, Whitehouse, Padilla, Schiff Lead Colleagues in Filing Amicus Brief Challenging Trump Administration’s Involvement in the Sable Offshore Pipeline Restart

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), along with Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Top Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), led 14 of their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in California v. Wright, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, to challenge the Trump Administration’s use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to facilitate the restart of the Sable Offshore oil pipeline system along the California Central Coast.

The brief argues that the Administration has failed to identify a legitimate national defense need for Sable’s crude oil and that the DPA order does not satisfy the statutory requirements for invoking this extraordinary authority. Sable produces crude oil—not finished fuels used by the military—and the order does not establish a connection between Sable’s production and an unmet military fuel requirement.

Joining Carbajal, Whitehouse, Padilla, and Schiff, the amicus brief is co-signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-11), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Mike Levin (D-CA-49), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), Dave Min (D-CA-47), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19).

“The Sable pipeline restart is a classic example of the Trump administration abusing power to benefit political allies at the expense of local communities,” said Rep. Carbajal. “As our brief outlines, there was no legitimate national security justification for invoking the Defense Production Act on behalf of Sable. This Administration is clearly fixated on boosting the fossil fuel industry, even when doing so risks putting our environment and public health in harm’s way. The people of Santa Barbara County and California have every right to be concerned about the pipeline restart given its role in the 2015 Refugio oil spill. I will keep fighting alongside my colleagues to hold the Administration accountable for this overreach and protect our communities' right to a safe environment.”

“President Trump and Secretary Wright’s ‘national security’ justification for invoking the Defense Production Act to restart flow of the Sable pipeline was clearly pretextual. The order was intended to throw a lifeline to a failing fossil-fuel company facing a severe financial cliff. The Trump administration will do anything to please their fossil fuel megadonors, no matter the environmental and public safety risks,” said Sen. Whitehouse.

“Californians have been clear: we don't want oil infrastructure off our coast,” said Sen. Padilla. “The Trump Administration is using a bogus justification to open our waters to their Big Oil donors, jeopardizing our environment and our economy. It's corrupt, it's dangerous, and I'll do everything in my power to stop it.”

“The idea that reopening a damaged pipeline on the Central Coast of California is somehow imperative to our national defense – when killing other renewable energy sources is just fine, when data centers are demanding new energy and we're taking offline 90 to 95% of the new energy coming into the grid – tells you this has nothing to do with national security. It has nothing to do with your price at the pump. It only has to do with the president keeping a promise to the big oil companies, and we are all paying the price,” said Sen. Schiff.

“Once again, Trump is blatantly boosting the fossil fuel industry under guise of national security. They’re betraying the real national interests of our communities and public health. Restarting the Sable pipeline displays this Administration’s continued abuse of power, benefiting Trump’s billionaire cronies at the expense of the American people. I will continue fighting to stop Trump’s overreach threatening our environment,” said Sen. Blumenthal.

“Donald Trump is obsessed with abusing the Presidency to enrich his billionaire buddies while his policies keep sending everyday costs through the roof,” said Sen. Duckworth. “The Defense Production Act is a tool meant to help protect our national security—not bail out the President’s Big Oil donors. The Administration’s phony justification for restarting this pipeline without environmental and safety review is blatant corruption, and it could seriously endanger public health. It must be stopped.”

“Trump is turning the Defense Production Act into a blank check for Big Oil,” said Rep. Huffman. “Emergency national security powers exist to protect this country in a crisis. They were never meant to force open an oil pipeline that has sat idle for more than a decade after fouling our coast. This is a fossil fuel giveaway dressed up as national security, designed to enrich Trump and reward his political allies. But it's our beaches, our coastal communities, and the businesses that depend on a clean, healthy ocean that will face the consequences if we let his sham continue. We have cleaned up this company’s mess once already. Californians have defended this coast for decades, and we are not backing down.”

“The Trump Administration’s abuse of the Defense Production Act to revive the Sable pipeline is an unlawful corporate giveaway masquerading as a national security measure,” said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. “California communities know the devastating consequences of offshore oil spills. Congress created the Defense Production Act to protect our national security—not to reward political allies, endanger our coastline and override vital environmental safeguards.”

“As Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, we have been united against this Administration’s illegal attempts to force fossil fuel projects at the expense of our state’s environment and public health,” said Rep. Lofgren. “Trump has always put oil company profits above Americans’ well-being, but invoking the Defense Production Act for this pipeline is ridiculous. Californians don’t want a repeat of the 2015 oil spill, and the Administration is overstepping its authority to put our environment and coastal economy at risk.”

An excerpt from the brief is below. The full amicus brief is available HERE.

“This case is not about national defense. It is about a heavily leveraged, crude oil company asking the President to transform the Defense Production Act (DPA) from a statute designed to ‘assure the availability of domestic energy supplies for national defense needs,’ 50 U.S.C. § 4502(a)(5), into a corporate rescue operation for political allies; a rescue that advances the Administration’s political preference for fossil-fuel development at the expense of all other concerns. The Department of Energy’s (‘DOE’) March 13, 2026 order (the ‘Wright Order’) comes nowhere close to identifying a need for Sable crude oil or pipelines in the Order’s generalized invocation of California’s military presence and increased reliance on foreign crude. DOE never explains why those general circumstances create a national-defense need for Sable’s crude, much less how restarting its beleaguered pipelines would meet one.

“Merely invoking “national defense” or an “emergency” does not insulate executive action from the statutory prerequisites that Congress imposed in the DPA on the exercise of delegated authority. Enforcing these requirements, i.e., that the Secretary establish the statutory predicates for invoking the DPA, does not amount to second-guessing genuine executive judgments about national defense. Instead, enforcement honors the conditions precedent Congress imposed to prevent abuse of the DPA. DOE’s failure to satisfy these statutory prerequisites invalidates the Wright Order.”

Background

Sable Offshore acquired the Santa Ynez Unit from ExxonMobil in 2024. The pipeline had been out of service since the 2015 Refugio oil spill. In March 2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the DPA and ordered Sable to restore pipeline operations. The brief argues that the Administration used national defense as a pretext to advance domestic energy policy and benefit a specific company.

Carbajal has been a leader in opposing the Administration’s use of the DPA to force the Sable pipeline’s restart.

In July 2026, Carbajal spoke on the House floor against the NDAA’s Hunt amendment, which would grant the federal government unprecedented access to California-owned public lands associated with the Santa Ynez Unit and Las Flores Pipeline System.

In May 2026, Carbajal, Schiff, and members of the California congressional delegation launched an inquiry into Sable’s efforts to restart oil drilling off the California coast and demanded answers on the company’s collaboration with the Trump administration to invoke the DPA in relation to this project.

Last year, Carbajal, Schiff, Padilla, and members of the California congressional delegation demanded answers from the Trump administration on its involvement in Sable’s attempts to restart the pipeline.

Carbajal Highlights $20 Million Federal Grant for UCSB Advanced Research Lab

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

On Friday, August 21, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) hosted a press conference at UC Santa Barbara’s (UCSB) OASIS Facility to highlight a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF grant will go towards UCSB’s COAST PCL, one of 20 facilities in a new national network of programmable cloud laboratories. Carbajal was joined by Dr. Rachel Segalman, Vice Chancellor for Research at UCSB; Dr. Ram Seshadri, Associate Dean for Research in The Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering; Dr. Javier Read de Alaniz, Co-Director of COAST PCL; and Dr. Chris Bates, Co-Director of COAST PCL.

Following the speaking program, Carbajal and the university leaders toured the COAST PCL laboratory.

Download photos here.

The $20 million grant will be used to create a remotely accessible, AI- and robotics-enabled laboratory for discovering new polymers and soft materials. Researchers anywhere in the country will be able to design experiments online, have robots conduct the experiments at UCSB, and receive and analyze the results without having to travel to the university.

The initial research focus will be sequence-defined polymers and biomolecular materials, with potential applications in medicine, energy, electronics, aerospace, and other advanced technologies. Additional background is available here.

“As a proud Gaucho, I am thrilled to highlight this $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support UC Santa Barbara’s COAST PCL project,” said Rep. Carbajal. “With this federal investment, UC Santa Barbara will host state-of-the-art programmable cloud laboratories, allowing researchers from across the country to perform experiments completely remotely. The work conducted right here on the Central Coast will revolutionize materials research and lay the foundation for breakthroughs across many industries, from medicine and construction to advanced aerospace and energy technology. I will keep fighting in Congress to bring our tax dollars back home to support world-changing projects like this one.”

"We are grateful to Congressman Salud Carbajal for his unwavering support of UC Santa Barbara and the pioneering research made possible through federal investment," said Rachel Segalman, UC Santa Barbara’s vice chancellor for research and a professor of materials and chemical engineering,” said Rachel Segalman, UC Santa Barbara’s vice chancellor for research and a professor of materials and chemical engineering. “AI is changing how we approach scientific discovery, but it cannot discover new materials on its own. AI needs high-quality experimental data to learn from and validate its predictions. COAST creates a powerful connection between AI, computation and experimentation, allowing researchers to generate new data, learn from it, and move more quickly toward materials that could have applications ranging from medicine and water purification to microelectronics.”

“COAST PCL is a testament to The Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering’s proud tradition of materials discovery,” said Ram Seshadri, the associate dean for research and a distinguished professor of materials, and chemistry & biochemistry. “For decades, our faculty have advanced the fundamental understanding of materials while building a culture of collaboration and shared infrastructure that allows ambitious ideas to flourish. This new investment builds on that legacy and on Dean Umesh Mishra’s vision for OASIS as a bridge between laboratory discovery and real-world impact. COAST PCL will be a key part of realizing that vision and shaping how the next generation of materials are discovered.”

“What excites me most about COAST PCL is the opportunity to rethink how experiments are designed and carried out,” said materials professor Chris Bates, who will serve as co-director of COAST PCL. “By automating workflows and making them remotely accessible, we can move toward a model where sophisticated materials research is available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. That has the potential not only to accelerate discovery, but to fundamentally change how the next generation of scientists and engineers approaches experimentation.”

“COAST PCL is about changing what is possible in materials research. A researcher anywhere in the country will be able to design an experiment remotely, have our automated systems carry it out here at OASIS, and use the resulting data to decide what to test next,” said Javier Read de Alaniz, co-director of COAST PCL and a professor of chemistry & biochemistry. “By combining remote access, robotics, and standardized data, we can accelerate discovery while giving a much broader community of researchers access to capabilities they otherwise might never have.”

Carbajal Announces $4.6 Million in New Federal Funding for SLO Airport

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced $4,609,282.00 in new federal funding for the San Luis Obispo County Airport for a range of infrastructure upgrades. Specifically, the funding will go towards modernizing Runway 11/29’s safety system, upgrading Taxiway A, and creating a plan to identify wildlife around the airport and assess how to protect aircraft from potential wildlife hazards, such as bird strikes.

“As SLO County continues to welcome more visitors each year, it’s essential that we invest in our local airport to maintain the highest levels of safety for passengers and crew,” said Rep. Carbajal. This $4.6 million federal investment will allow SLO County Airport to launch important infrastructure upgrades to enhance the overall travel experience.”

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Carbajal and the U.S. Department of Transportation for this important investment, which will strengthen our airport, support our regional economy and help ensure San Luis Obispo County has the infrastructure needed to thrive for generations to come,” said San Luis Obispo County 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg.

“This significant federal investment in safe, reliable airport infrastructure is an investment in the long-term economic vitality, connectivity and resilience of our region, and we are grateful to Congressman Carbajal and the federal government for recognizing the importance of our airport to San Luis Obispo County’s future,” said Courtney Johnson, San Luis Obispo County Director of Airports.

This funding is from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

Since its passage in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered more than $1 billion in funding to projects up and down the Central Coast of California. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Carbajal played a key role in crafting and passing the landmark legislation in partnership with the Biden Administration.

In May 2026, Carbajal announced over $2 million in federal funding for the San Luis Obispo County Airport to improve the baggage screening system.

Last fall, Carbajal announced over $3 million in funding for two airports in San Luis Obispo County for infrastructure improvements. SLO County Airport received $2,725,597 to construct a new 315-foot Taxiway B3 to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. Oceano Airport received $313,500 to reseal 2,325 feet of existing Runway 11/29 pavement to extend its useful life.

Carbajal Statement on Diablo Canyon Receiving Federal Funding for Extended Operations

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to distribute $271 million in Civil Nuclear Credit Program funds to help support Diablo Canyon Power Plant’s extended operations. This federal funding comes after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s determination that the plant can continue to operate safely.

The Civil Nuclear Credit Program was created and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Carbajal played a key role in crafting and passing the landmark legislation in partnership with the Biden Administration.

“This announcement marks another important milestone in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Diablo Canyon has long been a critical source of carbon‑free electricity, and this $271 million award will help ensure that Diablo Canyon remains a stable part of our power grid as California continues its transition toward renewable energy. Maintaining this facility is essential for meeting our climate goals, protecting grid reliability, and supporting good‑paying jobs on the Central Coast. I will continue working to ensure that local communities benefit from Diablo Canyon’s extended operations and that safety remains the top priority every step of the way.”

Carbajal Announces Over $1 Million in Federal Funding for Santa Barbara Airport

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced $1,304,418.00 in federal funding for the Santa Barbara Airport for a range of infrastructure upgrades. Specifically, the funding will go towards installing new signage and markings on Runway 7/25, reconstructing on-site pavement, and upgrading Taxiways A, B, and C.

“The Santa Barbara Airport serves as a vital gateway to our community, welcoming both visitors and business travelers. Because the airport plays such a significant role in Santa Barbara’s economy, continued investment in its infrastructure is essential,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This federal funding will help ensure the airport can meet future needs and continue delivering reliable air service to our region.”

“The Santa Barbara Airport is grateful for this continued federal investment in our infrastructure. These funds will support critical pavement and taxiway rehabilitation projects that keep our airport safe, reliable, and ready to serve the Central Coast for years to come,” said Christopher Hastert, Airport Director.

This funding is from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, which provides federal grants for airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.

Since its passage in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered more than $1 billion in funding to projects up and down the Central Coast of California. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Carbajal played a key role in crafting and passing the landmark legislation in partnership with the Biden Administration.

Carbajal, Cut Flower Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Resolution to Recognize July as American Grown Flower and Foliage Month

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) led Congressional Cut Flower Caucus co-chairs Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), and Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03) in introducing a bipartisan resolution to officially recognize the month of July 2026 as “American Grown Flower and Foliage Month”. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) leads a companion resolution in the U.S. Senate.

“California produces nearly three quarters of all American-grown cut flowers, and I’ve seen firsthand the vital role these farms play in supporting local jobs, small businesses, and the long-term strength of our agricultural sector,” said Rep. Carbajal, co-chair of the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus. “By designating July as ‘American Grown Flower and Foliage Month’, we are recognizing the invaluable contributions cut flowers make to our specialty crop sector.”

“California is proud to lead the nation in flower production, thanks to the hardworking growers who cultivate some of the world's highest-quality blooms right here in our state,” said Senator Padilla. “I’m proud to lead this Senate resolution designating July as American Grown Flower and Foliage Month to honor their contributions and encourage more Americans to support flowers and foliage grown here at home.”

“Across the country, from Maine to Hawaii, America’s cut-flower and foliage growers create jobs, support local economies, and bring beauty and vibrancy to our communities,” said Rep. Pingree, co-chair of the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus. “By recognizing their contributions and encouraging the use of American-grown flowers, we can help ensure these farms and farmers continue to thrive for generations to come.”

“American-grown flowers and foliage bring immense beauty while supporting growers, small businesses, and jobs across the country,” said Rep. Panetta, co-chair of the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus. “This resolution builds on our bipartisan Don Young American Grown Act, which would ensure that flowers and greens displayed at prominent federal buildings are grown right here in the United States. This July, we proudly celebrate the growers in California’s 19th Congressional District and across the country who strengthen American agriculture and cultivate the beauty of our nation.”

The text of the American Grown Flower and Foliage Month resolution can be found HERE.

Last year, Carbajal led a bipartisan group of members in introducing the Don Young American Grown Act. The bipartisan bill requires any cut flowers or cut green plants officially on display in public areas of the Executive Office of the President, Department of Defense, or Department of State be grown in the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory.

Representative Don Young of Alaska, who passed away in 2022, was the lead sponsor of the Don Young American Grown Act in both the 116^th and 117^th Congresses. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) leads companion, bipartisan legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Founded in 2014, the Congressional Cut Flower Caucus was created to help address, support, and represent the economic interests and opportunities facing America's flower farmers.

The Congressional Cut Flower Caucus is a bipartisan coalition established to set the agenda and educate Congress on the cultural and economic value of flower and green farms.

Carbajal Joins Cisneros, 60+ Colleagues in Calling on Republican Leadership to Address DACA Renewal Delays

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) joined U.S. Representative Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31) and 62 colleagues in a letter to House Republican leadership urging stronger support for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients commonly referred to as Dreamers. In the letter, the lawmakers ask Republican leaders not to obstruct legislation that protects Dreamers from work authorization lapses and the threat of deportation, including through a permanent, codified legal status.

“We write in support of all Dreamers who live and contribute to our districts and to our great nation. Healthcare workers, teachers, police officers, students, and many more from our communities are seeking assistance with their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications. Administrative inefficiencies at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have led to unprecedented backlogs and delays in processing DACA renewal applications,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge you to work with us and not obstruct legislation that protects DACA recipients from work authorization lapses and the threat of deportation by directly addressing the severe administrative backlogs at USCIS and through a permanent, codified legal status for Dreamers”.

The lawmakers outline how DACA renewal applications are facing prolonged processing times, impacting millions of Dreamers and their families.

“Until this year, most renewals were granted well before the status expired. We now have DACA recipients waiting as long as nine months for their renewal applications to be approved, even after filing 120-150 days before expiration as recommended by USCIS, undergoing background checks, and paying filing fees. These prolonged wait times have caused work authorizations to expire and put DACA recipients, their employers, families, and communities at risk. Nearly 1.7 million Dreamers are trained and employed in critical industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Their wages contribute an estimated $76 billion to our economy each year with an additional $24 billion each year to local, state, and federal taxes. Denying DACA recipients and Dreamers the opportunity to contribute only harms America and our economy,” the lawmakers continued.

The letter concludes with the lawmakers demanding congressional action to resolve the application backlog.

“Congress must act, through immediate measures to resolve the renewal backlog at USCIS and through a pathway to citizenship and comprehensive immigration reform. President Trump himself has previously expressed openness to legislation supporting Dreamers, as have several members of your Republican Conference. This sentiment is shared by an overwhelming majority of Americans at over 80%. Unfortunately, our attempts at legislative action are denied and blocked. This is why we write to urge you to allow legislation to come to the floor that supports DACA recipients and Dreamers and ask that you eliminate any legislative obstructions,” concluded the lawmakers.

The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Scalise, and Majority Whip Emmer:

We write in support of all Dreamers who live and contribute to our districts and to our great nation. Healthcare workers, teachers, police officers, students, and many more from our communities are seeking assistance with their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications. Administrative inefficiencies at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have led to unprecedented backlogs and delays in processing DACA renewal applications. We urge you to work with us and not obstruct legislation that protects DACA recipients from work authorization lapses and the threat of deportation by directly addressing the severe administrative backlogs at USCIS and through a permanent, codified legal status for Dreamers.

DACA recipients actively follow the rules and contribute to our communities and our economy and should not be penalized by government inefficiency. Until this year, most renewals were granted well before the status expired. We now have DACA recipients waiting as long as nine months for their renewal applications to be approved, even after filing 120-150 days before expiration as recommended by USCIS, undergoing background checks, and paying filing fees.

These prolonged wait times have caused work authorizations to expire and put DACA recipients, their employers, families, and communities at risk. Nearly 1.7 million Dreamers are trained and employed in critical industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Their wages contribute an estimated $76 billion to our economy each year with an additional $24 billion each year to local, state, and federal taxes. Denying DACA recipients and Dreamers the opportunity to contribute only harms America and our economy.

Congress must act, through immediate measures to resolve the renewal backlog at USCIS and through a pathway to citizenship and comprehensive immigration reform. President Trump himself has previously expressed openness to legislation supporting Dreamers, as have several members of your Republican Conference. This sentiment is shared by an overwhelming majority of Americans at over 80%. Unfortunately, our attempts at legislative action are denied and blocked. This is why we write to urge you to allow legislation to come to the floor that supports DACA recipients and Dreamers and ask that you eliminate any legislative obstructions.

No eligible DACA recipient should lose their status, job, or ability to contribute to the country they call home. We hope you work with us to support Dreamers. Thank you for your time.

Carbajal Speaks Out Against Sable Offshore Provision in Defense Budget Bill

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

During last night’s House of Representatives debate on the annual national defense policy bill, also known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) spoke out against the Hunt amendment, which would grant the federal government unprecedented access to California-owned public lands associated with the Santa Ynez Unit and Las Flores Pipeline System.

Download a video clip of Carbajal’s full debate here.

Background on the Hunt amendment

Specifically, the Hunt amendment would authorize the Secretary of Defense to use federal eminent domain to acquire permanent easements across California-owned lands and submerged lands under the Santa Ynez Pipeline system, the pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio oil spill off the coast of California.

This amendment broadly preempts California law by eliminating state permitting requirements and blocking state injunctions. It also requires the Secretary to grant the operator an irrevocable license that cannot be revoked by California courts, state agencies, or future administrations, except under extremely limited circumstances

A rough transcript of Carbajal’ opening remarks is available below:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr. Garamendi.

I oppose this amendment.

We know that the military does not need this provision to ensure a stable supply.

We already are the largest oil producer in the world, producing nearly 14 million barrels of oil a day.

So let’s be clear: this is not about energy independence or national security.

It is about giving Big Oil special treatment at the expense of California.

Under this amendment, a single certification from the Secretary of Defense unlocks sweeping legal protections for fossil fuel projects.

States and local governments cannot interfere.

Courts are told to presume that delaying this project harms national security on the Secretary's word alone. And we know what that means.

Challengers cannot dispute the Secretary's determination.

And developers receive procedural advantages that no other litigant enjoys – including the ability to essentially choose which federal court will hear a challenge.

It is interesting to me that this amendment is sponsored by Congressman Hunt, from Houston, where Sable Offshore Oil’s headquarters is located.

Sable Offshore, of course, is the operator of the Santa Ynez Pipeline System, which the Trump administration forced back online over the objections of California.

This is the pipeline that caused the devastating Refugio oil spill in 2015 in my district.

My constituents, who must live with the risk this operation poses, are overwhelmingly opposed.

But the Trump administration used the Defense Production Act to preempt state law.

The state of California is challenging that authority in court.

I guess Sable is worried about losing in court—as they should be—because this amendment would allow the company to avoid accountability by moving to a more favorable court, blocking the California lawsuit, and preventing any court from issuing an injunction against this project.

So let me be clear again: this isn’t about national security.

It is a bailout for polluters.

I oppose this amendment and I urge my colleagues to also vote no.

Carbajal Statement on Massie Amendment to GOP Foreign Aid Budget Bill

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) released the statement below following his “yes” vote on the Massie Amendment to H.R. 8595.

“Today, I voted yes on Representative Massie’s amendment to not give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration funding for more offensive weapons. While I do not agree with the entirety of the amendment, including its potential impacts to humanitarian funding, I cast a yes vote in recognition that we cannot continue to provide Netanyahu a blank check. I remain deeply opposed to how Netanyahu has conducted this war. His administration's strategy has fueled a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and resulted in the tragic loss of an inordinate number of civilian lives.

“While I have always been and will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Israel, I cannot support Netanyahu's extremism, including his push for illegal settlements and condoning settler violence in the West Bank. These actions are untenable and harm the future security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

“For many across the Central Coast, this issue is deeply personal. I have read your letters and listened to your calls urging our country to take stronger action and hold Netanyahu’s extremist government accountable. While today’s vote was blocked by the House Republican majority, I will continue to fight for more rigorous oversight of our military assistance programs and push for more humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. I stand firmly behind a two-state solution that secures the security, rights, and prosperity of both Palestinians and Israelis, for I believe that to be a sustainable path for durable peace in the region.”

Carbajal Announces Funding for Central Coast Water Projects Passed House Committee

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced a bipartisan bill containing more than $66 million for Central Coast water projects. The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 will now need to be considered by the full House and Senate for final passage.

“Like many communities across the nation, the Central Coast has some water systems that are aging beyond their intended service life or must be upgraded to accommodate our region’s growth. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud to have secured federal funding in this committee-passed bill to strengthen water infrastructure throughout the Central Coast. As the bill moves toward final consideration, I will continue working to ensure this essential investment is delivered to our communities,” said Rep. Carbajal, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The following projects and authorizations have been included in the committee-passed bill.

$30,000,000 for the Los Olivos Community Services District (LOCSD). The funding will be used for a new septic-to-sewer project. Once completed, the proposed project will collect wastewater from the LOCSD and send the waste approximately 3.5 miles to a connection point with the City of Solvang. The City of Solvang will then treat and dispose of the LOCSD’s wastewater at their regional facilities.
$25,000,000 for the City of Ojai. The project would replace the metal pipes that service the City’s storm water collection system. These pipes are at the end of their expected life, having been in place since the early 1960s.
$3,200,000 for Summerland Sanitary District to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure.
$6,300,000 for the City of Lompoc. The City’s projects include the modernization of the City’s water treatment plant and construction of a stormwater treatment and flood control system.
$2,000,000 for the City of Solvang to improve its water and water supply infrastructure, including the distribution systems.
Authorization of the City of Morro Bay’s seawall repair and harbor enhancements project.

“The City of Solvang is grateful for Congressman Carbajal’s leadership and continued advocacy for Solvang. His support helps advance important infrastructure priorities that are essential to the long-term health, reliability, and resilience of our community,” said Mayor David Brown.

“The legislative language advocated by Congressman Salud Carbajal will ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lives up to its responsibility to repair and maintain breakwater, revetment, and seawall infrastructure that is vital to ensuring safe navigation and operations in Morro Bay Harbor. We appreciate Rep. Carbajal’s leadership and his hard work in Washington, D.C. on behalf of Morro Bay and California,” said Mayor Carla Wixom.

“The Summerland Sanitary District is incredibly grateful to Congressman Carbajal for his continued advocacy for our coastal infrastructure. Securing this $3.2 million authorization in the draft WRDA bill is a vital milestone in rehabilitating our ocean outfall. This federal partnership establishes the critical pathway we need to protect our local environment and ensure reliable wastewater services for our community,” said Diantha Glaser, General Manager of the Summerland Sanitary District.

“Building a sewer system to solve a problem that has persisted for more than 50 years isn't glamorous, and it certainly is not easy. We are deeply grateful to Congressman Salud Carbajal for his leadership and support in helping secure funding for this critical community infrastructure. This investment gives Los Olivos a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the solution our community has long supported while ensuring that local decisions remain in local hands. It allows us to move forward with a project that reflects the needs and priorities of the people who live and work here,” said Los Olivos Community Services District President Julie Kennedy.

“Congressman Carbajal’s work to continue advancing the Lower Mission Creek Flood Control Project through WRDA 2026 is a very welcome shot in the arm. He has been an essential and long-time champion of the project. With construction now over 50% complete, renewed Federal investment is critical to finishing this complex and urgently needed project to protect our densely developed urban core from recurring flooding,” said Santa Barbara County Public Works Director Chris Sneddon.

“Safety and infrastructure have been central priorities for this Council and City staff, with enhanced public participation, deferred maintenance budgeting, and focused timelines as key progress indicators. We are extremely grateful for our Federal agencies in partnering with the City of Ojai to bring our storm systems to proper order, helping to sustain a community that can remain resilient, safe, and efficient now and for decades to come,” said Ojai’s Mayor Andy Gilman.

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out critical water infrastructure projects nationwide, including flood risk reduction, ecosystem restoration and navigation improvement. WRDA is biennial legislation crafted by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. By authorizing these projects through WRDA, Congress helps unlock future federal funding.

The bill supports locally-driven projects that also deliver regional and national benefits to strengthen U.S. global competitiveness and supply chain, grow the economy, move goods throughout the country, protect communities from flooding, and more. In addition, investments in water infrastructure help lower everyday costs for Americans. Modernizing aging infrastructure reduces water loss and lowers maintenance expenses, helping keep water rates more affordable for households and businesses.

Click here for legislative text and here for a summary of WRDA 2026.

Ventura/Santa Barbara County Telephone Town Hall

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 21:30:00 GMT

Residents of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties! – Join me on Wednesday, July 27th at 5:30 PM PDT for a live telephone town hall!

This is a chance for you to ask me questions, and get an updates from me on what I've been working on to help you and your family.

Sign up to be a part of this event at: https://carbajal.house.gov/live/

If you are a resident of San Luis Obispo County, I will be hosting a telephone townhall on July 20th to answer questions and address concerns for your region.

San Luis Obispo County Telephone Town Hall

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 21:30:00 GMT

San Luis Obispo County residents! – Join me on Wednesday, July 20th at 5:30 PM PDT for a live telephone town hall!

This is a chance for you to ask me questions, and get an updates from me on what I've been working on to help you and your family.

Sign up to be a part of this event at: https://carbajal.house.gov/live/

If you are a resident of Santa Barbara or Ventura County, I will be hosting a telephone townhall on July 27th to answer questions and address concerns for your region.