California oil pipeline can continue operating after judge's ruling

A federal judge has allowed a controversial oil pipeline off the California coast to continue operating, a decision that defies state regulators and environmental activists. The pipeline, located near Santa Barbara, resumed operations earlier this year following a directive from the Trump administration, which cited U.S. energy needs during the Iran conflict.

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Finally, as the Court has now discussed, the DPA Order does, as a matter of law, preempt the enforcement of any state law that conflicts with Sable’s ability to operate the Onshore Pipeline, including the trespass claim.

This system had been closed since 2015 after a significant oil spill, one of California's worst. Its reopening was intended to be managed under a federal consent decree. However, California officials had actively sought to prevent Sable Offshore Corporation from moving oil through its pipelines, labeling the company's actions as "egregious trespass on public land" that would inflict irreparable harm.

The Trump administration invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA), granting the president authority over industries for national defense purposes. The company argued this federal directive superseded state regulatory orders. Judge Stephen Wilson ultimately ruled that the DPA Order legally preempts any state law that conflicts with Sable's ability to operate the pipeline, including the trespass claim.

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The Trump administration remains committed to putting all Americans and their energy security first. Unfortunately, some state leaders have not adhered to those same principles, with potentially disastrous consequences not just for their residents, but also our national security.

Despite allowing operations to continue, Judge Wilson also imposed a $1.5 million fine on Sable for violating the consent decree without proper authorization or court petition. Sable purchased the pipeline in 2024 and had been seeking to restart offshore oil production for over a year. The U.S. energy secretary, Chris Wright, asserted that restoring the pipeline would bolster U.S. oil supply and national security, criticizing state leaders for not prioritizing energy security. California Governor Gavin Newsom, however, accused Trump of using a manufactured crisis to benefit his oil industry allies, potentially polluting the state's beaches.

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using this crisis of his own making to attempt what he’s wanted to do for years: open California’s coast for his oil industry friends so they can poison our beaches