Trump Orders Resumption of California Offshore Oil Drilling to Ease Gas Prices

The move has angered California Democrats but pleased industry insiders and Republicans.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Trump issued an executive order on Friday to resume oil drilling operations near Santa Barbara, California. The order will allow Sable Offshore Corp. to restart pumping operations at its Santa Ynez offshore platforms and pipeline within 24 hours. The move is expected to add about 10% to California's crude oil production, but the impact on consumer gas prices may take time to materialize.

Why it matters

California consistently has the highest gasoline prices in the nation, often more than $2 per gallon above the national average due to the state's declining in-state production and reliance on imported crude. The resumption of offshore drilling could help increase the state's oil supply and potentially lower gas prices for consumers.

The details

Sable Offshore Corp. informed local fire officials of their intent to 'resume pumping operations within 24 hours' after Trump's executive order. The Santa Ynez offshore oil platform and pipeline were shuttered in 2015 after a spill. Sable Offshore, which bought the system from ExxonMobil in 2024, has been pressing for operations to resume. The Energy Department said Sable's facility could produce approximately 50,000 barrels of oil per day.

  • President Trump issued the executive order on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • Sable Offshore Corp. plans to resume pumping operations within 24 hours of the order.

The players

Sable Offshore Corp.

A Houston-based company that owns the Santa Ynez offshore oil platform and pipeline near Santa Barbara, California.

Garrett Huff

The fire chief in Santa Barbara County, who said the department's role is focused on first-response emergency services for incidents within the county.

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California, who accused Trump of manipulating the war in Iran and a global crisis around surging gas prices to 'open California's coast for his oil industry friends so they can poison our beaches.'

Steve Hilton

A former Fox News host who is running for governor of California and supports the administration's move, saying the state should go much further in expanding oil and gas production.

Matt Mahan

The mayor of San Jose who is also running for governor of California, and whose campaign panned the federal order, saying it won't deliver anything but another divisive political conflict that will do nothing to lower gas prices.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This coordination allows the department to maintain readiness for potential emergency response, including resource staging, personnel alerting, and collaboration with other agencies, in the event of any incident such as a leak, spill, or fire.”

— Garrett Huff, Fire Chief, Santa Barbara County

“Donald Trump started a war, admitted it would spike gas prices nationwide, and told Americans it was a small price to pay.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“I totally support this and would go much further ramping up California oil and gas production. Given that we have abundant gas and oil reserves, it makes no sense to import from around the world.”

— Steve Hilton, Former Fox News Host and Gubernatorial Candidate

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Sable Offshore Corp. to restart operations at the Santa Ynez offshore oil platform and pipeline.

The takeaway

This executive order highlights the ongoing political tensions and competing priorities around energy policy in California. While the move could potentially increase the state's oil supply and ease gas prices, it has also drawn strong opposition from environmental advocates and Democratic leaders who are concerned about the risks of offshore drilling.