Key facts
- The Trump administration is actively supporting Sable Offshore Corp.'s efforts to restart oil production off the California coast.
- Federal officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, visited Sable's facility and criticized California's energy policies.
- The administration has invoked federal emergency defense powers to override state-level opposition to Sable's pipeline operations.
- Sable purchased idle oil platforms and a pipeline system that had been shut down since a 2015 spill.
- Governor Gavin Newsom's office has criticized the federal intervention, attributing rising gas prices to broader federal policies.
The Trump administration has publicly backed Sable Offshore Corp., a small oil company seeking to restart operations off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Sable's facilities, criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom's energy policies and pledging federal support.
This intervention marks a significant federal effort to override state-level opposition to oil production, aligning with the administration's goals of increasing domestic oil output and challenging political rivals. Sable purchased dormant oil platforms and a pipeline system that had been idle since a 2015 spill. While initially receiving some regulatory flexibility from the Newsom administration, Sable later faced opposition, including an $18 million fine from the Coastal Commission and new regulatory requirements within a broader energy deal signed by Newsom.
Sable's CEO, Jim Flores, subsequently sought federal assistance, leading to the administration's involvement. The White House has invoked federal emergency defense powers to push the project forward. Governor Newsom's office has criticized the federal actions, arguing they do not alleviate high gas prices and are part of a broader federal strategy that has choked off global oil supply.