The Trump administration has directed Sable Offshore to restart operations at the Santa Ynez Unit and the related pipeline system off the coast of California, arguing that the project is needed to reduce supply risks linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The order was issued on 13 March by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, following a presidential action by Donald Trump expanding the use of powers under the Defense Production Act.
According to the US Department of Energy, the Santa Ynez Unit could produce up to 50,000 barrels of oil per day. Federal officials say that output would help offset California’s dependence on imported crude, much of which arrives through routes affected by instability in the Middle East.
The move comes despite the fact that Sable’s operations had previously been blocked by courts and regulators. Earlier legal challenges in California focused on the proposed restart of the pipeline, with state authorities warning about spill risks linked to aging infrastructure.
California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, accused the Trump administration of using the conflict with Iran as justification to revive a project that had already been halted through legal action.
US Senator Alex Padilla also criticized the decision, arguing that it puts oil profits ahead of local communities and environmental protection.
Opposition to offshore oil development in California has deep roots, stretching back to the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and reinforced by later incidents, including spills near platform operations and pipeline leaks along the California coast.
Trump dismissed concerns over rising oil prices, saying that higher prices would also generate more revenue for the United States. His administration also moved to ease pressure on oil markets by temporarily softening certain restrictions related to Russian oil exports through 11 April.
