U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has ordered a Texas oil company to restart operations at its pipeline in southern California that was affected by a 2015 oil spill. The decision comes as an effort to enhance America’s energy security and reduce reliance on foreign oil.
According to official statements, the Sable Offshore Corporation’s Santa Ynez unit can produce around 50,000 barrels of oil per day, potentially replacing nearly 1.5 million barrels of foreign crude monthly. However, the action has sparked criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who argues that it undermines environmental protections and violates court orders prohibiting such operations.
Newsom responded, stating, “This is an attempt to illegally restart a pipeline whose operators are facing criminal charges.” He emphasized that California will challenge the decision in court and protect its coastal communities and environment.
The conflict underscores the ongoing tension between federal and state energy policies, especially surrounding offshore drilling and environmental concerns.
