Trump prepares to use Cold War-era powers to force California oil production back online

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The legal basis is the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA).
Under the DPA, a presidential order has the force of federal law and can preempt state laws if the order is issued to meet national defense or national security needs — including energy supply emergencies.

The Department of Justice issued a 22‑page legal opinion on March 3, 2026, confirming that the DPA can override California’s environmental and permitting laws to allow Sable Offshore Corp. to restart production.

https://www.justice.gov/olc/media/1429671/dl?inline=

https://www.independent.com/2026/03/05/trump-poised-to-preempt-state-authority-to-allow-sable-to-restart-offshore-oil-production-in-santa-barbara-county/

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