Key facts
- California energy regulator Michael Hochschild expressed willingness to collaborate with the Trump administration on lowering gas prices.
- Hochschild criticized the Trump administration's energy policies, including efforts to restart offshore oil production and cancel offshore wind leases.
- The Trump administration is considering establishing a strategic petroleum reserve in California.
- The administration has supported Sable Offshore Corp.'s oil operations in California, overriding state objections.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom's office has criticized the Trump administration's support for Sable and linked rising gas prices to Trump's actions.
California energy regulator Michael Hochschild has indicated a willingness to work with a potential Trump administration on issues such as lowering gas prices, while simultaneously criticizing the former president's energy policies. Hochschild stated he would 'work in good faith... wherever we have common cause to keep gas prices down,' but would 'evaluate on a case-by-case basis' any potential support for a refinery sale.
Hochschild also sharply criticized Donald Trump, attributing rising gas prices to the 'Iran war' and labeling the federal government's efforts to restart offshore oil production and cancel offshore wind leases as 'unbelievably reckless.' He compared the potential return of the Trump administration to 'a political version of COVID,' emphasizing the need to use the judiciary to counter its agenda.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has been in 'active dialogue' about establishing a strategic petroleum reserve in California, a move aimed at bolstering West Coast supplies and enhancing national defense security. This initiative comes as the administration has embraced Sable Offshore Corp., supporting its oil operations against state objections. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has criticized California's energy policies, suggesting federal intervention to 'bring it to heel' and champion oil production.
Governor Gavin Newsom's office has previously criticized Sable's relationship with the Trump administration and accused the company of defying court orders. Newsom's spokesperson linked rising gas prices to Trump's actions concerning Iran, stating that 'no number of taxpayer-funded trips for photo ops on oil platforms can distract from that fact.'
Experts like Bob McNally, however, expressed skepticism about the strategic petroleum reserve idea, citing California's declining refining capacity. Sable CEO Jim Flores, conversely, praised the Trump administration for its attention to California's refining and strategic reserve needs.