President Donald Trump has reignited tensions with California in an ongoing energy dispute. In a Truth Social post, Trump highlighted an executive order aiming to restart the Sable Pipeline and expand offshore oil production near California. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office referred Newsweek to his prior press statements. Newsom criticized Trump, saying, “He started a war, admitted gas prices would rise, and now uses the crisis to open our coast for the oil industry to harm our beaches.” Newsom stated California wouldn’t tolerate the administration’s actions threatening its environment and coastal economy.
Executive Order Targets Pipeline Restart
Trump’s post included a graphic about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) plan to use the Defense Production Act to restart the Sable Pipeline. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is ordered to boost offshore production by 550%, aiming for 50,000 barrels of oil per day. This initiative plans to produce 20 million barrels annually for the Department of Defense, focusing on 50 military bases on the West Coast. The order aims to counteract California’s climate legislation and reinforce American energy dominance.
DOE announced in March that the Sable Offshore Corp. would resume operations at the Santa Ynez Unit and Pipeline System due to defense needs. Wright emphasized this would enhance national security, mentioning the facility’s capacity of 50,000 barrels daily, potentially reducing foreign crude reliance by 1.5 million barrels monthly. The decision underscores the administration’s concern for energy security amid geopolitical tensions affecting oil shipments worldwide.
Resistance from Newsom and West Coast Governors
The post reflects ongoing conflict over offshore drilling between Trump and California authorities. Newsom dismissed Trump’s expansion plan for drilling off California’s coast, declaring it “dead on arrival.” The state pledges to contest any finalized plan legally. Trump’s administration proposed six offshore lease sales from 2027 to 2030 along California’s coast, the first since the mid-1980s, alongside extensive sales off Florida and Alaska.
California has consistently opposed offshore drilling initiatives. Newsom condemned Trump’s proposal in November as “idiotic,” prioritizing oil donor interests. In January, Newsom collaborated with Oregon and Washington governors against new lease sales, citing the threat to coastal economies and ecosystems.
Legal battles are underway with California challenging the Sable Pipeline restart and oversight shifts from state regulators to federal agencies. Environmental organizations have joined California’s stance, contributing support for legal proceedings to resist federal actions undermining state jurisdiction over pipeline management.