California Oil Pipeline Restart Approved by Federal Court

A federal court has upheld the Trump administration's order authorizing Sable Offshore Corp. to resume oil pumping through the Santa Ynez pipeline system off the California coast. The ruling overrides state regulations and a 2020 federal court consent decree that kept the infrastructure offline following the 2015 Refugio Beach oil spill. In March 2026, Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked the Defense Production Act to bypass California oversight, citing global energy supply risks and threats to domestic stability. California Attorney General Rob Bonta challenged the directive, arguing the executive branch lacked statutory authority to preempt state laws and environmental safeguards. The Justice Department defended the action as a necessary national security measure to restore a daily flow of 50,000 barrels. While federal authorities emphasize energy independence, state officials warn of severe environmental hazards. California is expected to appeal the decision to contest federal interference.