A federal judge has allowed an oil pipeline off the coast of Santa Barbara in California to continue operating, ruling that federal authority supersedes state objections.
Operated by Sable Offshore Corporation, the pipeline was closed since 2015 but reopened earlier this year under an emergency order from the Trump administration. That order cited increased energy demands arising from the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran and utilized the Defense Production Act (DPA) to restart operations.
Judge Stephen Wilson ruled this week that the federal order preempts state regulations, allowing the pipeline to operate despite objections from California regulators and environmental groups who have characterized it as an “egregious trespass on public land.”
Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated: “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.”
In his ruling, Judge Wilson wrote: “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.”
The decision occurs amid growing energy concerns. Earlier this week, the United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) reached its lowest level in 40 years, dropping below 300 million barrels due to ongoing withdrawals. This has raised questions about the long-term sustainability of the salt caverns used for storage.
