Federal Judge Stephen Wilson ruled this week that the offshore oil pipeline off the Santa Barbara coast may continue operating, moving regulatory authority to the federal government. The pipeline had been shut in 2015 after a burst pipe caused a major spill and remained closed until it was restarted earlier this year following a directive from the Trump administration. The administration invoked the Defense Production Act, stating that the order was needed to address supply disruption risks and support national security. Wilson concluded that the federal order preempted conflicting state laws, including a trespass claim, and imposed a $1.5 million penalty on Sable Offshore Corporation for violating the consent decree without state approval. Sable purchased the pipeline from ExxonMobil in 2024 and had sought to resume offshore production for more than a year. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the operation improves oil supply and is vital to national defense. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision, saying it could raise gas prices and harm the environment. A California Department of Justice spokesperson said the state is reviewing legal options and will continue to defend its sovereign authority. The court’s decision keeps the pipeline in service while the legal battle proceeds.