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Oil Flows Again Amid Legal Battle in California

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Oil is flowing again through a pipeline near Santa Barbara after U.S. President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act.
Sable Offshore Corp. bought the pipeline from ExxonMobil in 2024 and plans to raise output from 30,000 to over 50,000 barrels per day.
California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have vowed to challenge the federal order in court over environmental concerns and legal violations by Sable Offshore Corp.

History

Historical Context

Enacted on September 8, 1950, the Defense Production Act (DPA) was crucial during the Korean War, enabling President Harry Truman to prioritize military production and establish the Office of Defense Mobilization. Recently, President Trump invoked the DPA to facilitate oil flow amid tensions between federal authority and state regulations, highlighting the ongoing conflict between energy production and environmental protection in U.S. policy.

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Story summary

Oil is flowing again through a pipeline near Santa Barbara after U.S. President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act.
Sable Offshore Corp. bought the pipeline from ExxonMobil in 2024 and plans to raise output from 30,000 to over 50,000 barrels per day.
California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, have vowed to challenge the federal order in court over environmental concerns and legal violations by Sable Offshore Corp.

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