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Environmental & Energy

Jul. 13, 2026

Judge questions offshore oil company's challenge to permit transfer denial

Chief U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee expressed skepticism Friday that Sable Offshore Corp. has stated viable takings and federal preemption claims over Santa Barbara County's refusal to transfer permits for the company's oil pipeline system, suggesting the dispute may be a matter of local regulatory authority rather than federal constitutional law.

Judge questions offshore oil company's challenge to permit transfer denial
Chief U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee

A federal judge Friday questioned whether Sable Offshore Corp.'s challenge to Santa Barbara County's refusal to transfer permits for an oil pipeline system presents a constitutional issue or simply a dispute over the county's regulatory authority.

Chief U.S. District Judge Dolly M. Gee heard arguments on motions by environmental groups seeking dismissal of Sable's claim that federal pipeline safety law, a Defense Production Act order and California law preempt the ...

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