Federal Judge: Defense Production Act Overrides California's Authority Over Santa Barbara Oil Pipeline

Judge Stephen Wilson ruled that a Defense Production Act order preempts all conflicting California state laws — including trespass claims — allowing Sable Offshore's Santa Barbara pipeline to keep operating. The DPA, a Cold War-era mobilization statute, was invoked citing the war in Iran. The pipeline had been shut since a 2015 spill. California's lawsuit against the Energy Department remains pending.