Citing oil market turmoil linked to the war with Iran, President Donald Trump on Friday invoked emergency powers to push the restart of a long‑disputed offshore oil operation off the California coast, prompting immediate pushback from California officials who say the order sidesteps courts and state regulators.
In an executive order signed on March 13, Trump expanded the Energy Department’s authority under the Defense Production Act, a Cold War‑era law that gives the president broad power to direct industry in the name of national defense amid the ongoing conflict with Iran and rising gasoline prices.
Soon after, Energy Secretary Chris Wright ordered Houston‑based Sable Offshore Corp. to restore operations tied to the Santa Ynez Unit, a network of offshore platforms, pipelines and processing facilities along the Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County.
“Today’s order will strengthen America’s oil supply and restore a pipeline system vital to our national security and defense,” Wright said, citing energy needs for West Coast military installations.
Newsom, state leaders push back
The order prompted an immediate response from Gov. Gavin Newsom, who accused Trump of exploiting an international crisis to revive a project that had been stalled for months in court and before state regulators.
“Trump knew his war with Iran would raise gas prices. Now he wants to illegally resurrect a pipeline shut down by courts and facing criminal charges,” Newsom said on X. “And it won’t even cut prices.”