Feds force restart of Santa Barbara oil pipeline, California vows to sue
The Trump administration invoked the Defense Production Act to order the restart of the Santa Ynez offshore oil platform and pipeline that had been shuttered after the 2015 spill, citing the need to stabilize fuel supplies amid rising prices tied to Iran tensions. California Gov. Gavin Newsom vows to sue, arguing the move overrides state authority, while environmental groups warn it could threaten beaches and wildlife. Sable Offshore Corp., which bought the system from ExxonMobil, has faced prior court orders requiring state approvals. The conflict pits federal action against California regulators in ongoing state and federal court battles over preemption and regulatory authority; the White House argues the order strengthens energy security, while critics question its impact on prices and the coast.