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Trump Overrides California Laws for Controversial Oil Project

3/8/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion that U.S. President Donald Trump can override California laws to back Sable Offshore Corp.'s oil project under the Defense Production Act.
The opinion arrives as global fuel prices rise due to the war in Iran.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has challenged the move, calling it an 'unlawful power grab' and noting Sable Offshore Corp.'s alleged noncompliance.

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Story summary

The U.S. Department of Justice issued a legal opinion that U.S. President Donald Trump can override California laws to back Sable Offshore Corp.'s oil project under the Defense Production Act.
The opinion arrives as global fuel prices rise due to the war in Iran.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has challenged the move, calling it an 'unlawful power grab' and noting Sable Offshore Corp.'s alleged noncompliance.