Trump Invokes DPA to Restart Controversial California Oil Pipeline

Sable Offshore resumes oil flow through Santa Barbara pipeline despite protests from state officials

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:57pm

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For the first time in over a decade, offshore oil is flowing through a controversial network of pipelines that run from California's Central Coast to Kern County. Following an executive order from President Trump, Sable Offshore Corp. has resumed oil flow through the pipelines despite protests from California officials who have accused the company of repeatedly ignoring directives and breaking environmental laws.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing battle between the Trump administration and California over energy policy and environmental regulations. The use of the Defense Production Act to override state and local laws is an unprecedented move that could set a precedent for federal overreach on issues of energy and the environment.

The details

Sable Offshore Corp. had struggled to secure necessary approvals and permits from California regulators to restart the offshore oil operation, which had been shuttered since a 2015 oil spill. On Friday, Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, saying the nation's energy needs superseded state and local regulations. California officials have condemned the move, with the state parks department demanding Sable remove the pipeline from Gaviota State Park. Sable has filed a federal lawsuit seeking confirmation of its right to operate through the park under the executive order.

  • On March 13, 2026, President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to restart the offshore oil pipeline.
  • On March 14, 2026, California's Department of Parks and Recreation demanded Sable remove the pipeline from Gaviota State Park.
  • On March 15, 2026, Sable filed a federal lawsuit seeking confirmation of its right to operate through the state park.

The players

Sable Offshore Corp.

A Houston-based energy company that owns and operates the offshore oil pipelines in California.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who invoked the Defense Production Act to override California's regulations and allow Sable Offshore to restart the oil pipeline.

California Department of Parks and Recreation

The state agency that manages Gaviota State Park and has demanded Sable remove its pipeline from the protected area.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who has criticized Trump's use of the Defense Production Act as an "attempt to illegally restart a pipeline" facing criminal charges and court orders.

Center for Biological Diversity

An environmental nonprofit that has pushed for more oversight of Sable's operations and called Trump's use of the DPA a "radical and unprecedented" abuse of power.

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What they’re saying

“The cynical misuse of a national security law for the benefit an oil company that has repeatedly broken the law is a shocking development, even from this administration. The courts shouldn't put up with this brazen abuse of power. ... We'll keep fighting as hard as we can to protect Santa Barbara's coast and end offshore drilling in the state once and for all.”

— Brady Bradshaw, Senior oceans campaigner, Center for Biological Diversity

“Sable Offshore is putting California consumers first by increasing domestic supply of crude oil into the California market by approximately 17% and we look forward to continuing to execute as so ordered. We look forward to working closely with the Department of Energy in fully complying with the DPA and working with the Trump administration to take all necessary steps to deliver the energy necessary for the security and defense of the country.”

— Jim Flores, Chief Executive, Sable Offshore Corp.

“The use of the Defense Production Act is an attempt to illegally restart a pipeline whose operators are facing criminal charges and prohibited by multiple court orders from restarting.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

What’s next

The federal lawsuit filed by Sable Offshore against California State Parks will determine whether the company has the right to operate the pipeline through Gaviota State Park under the executive order invoking the Defense Production Act.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and California over energy policy and environmental regulations. The use of the Defense Production Act to override state laws sets a concerning precedent and could lead to further clashes over the balance of federal and state authority on issues impacting the environment and public lands.