Trump Administration Orders Restart of Oil Production Off Santa Barbara Coast

Energy Secretary cites national security concerns in directing Sable Offshore to resume operations at Santa Ynez Unit

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:09am

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The Trump administration has directed Houston-based Sable Offshore Corp. to restart oil production at its Santa Ynez Unit in federal waters off the coast of Santa Barbara County, California. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cited national security risks and the need to address supply disruption caused by California policies as the reasons for the order, which was issued under the Defense Production Act.

Why it matters

This move by the Trump administration is likely to face strong opposition from California state and local officials, as well as environmental groups, who have previously blocked Sable's efforts to reopen the Santa Ynez Unit due to concerns over environmental impacts. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and California over energy and environmental policies.

The details

The Santa Ynez Unit, which Sable acquired from ExxonMobil in 2024, includes three oil and gas platforms, offshore pipelines, and onshore processing facilities. The unit has been shut down since a pipeline rupture in 2015 that spilled over 2,900 barrels of crude oil. Energy Secretary Wright stated that restarting production at the Santa Ynez Unit could increase California's in-state oil production by 15% and replace up to 1.5 million barrels of foreign crude per month, which he argues is vital for national security and military readiness.

  • On March 13, 2026, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed Sable Offshore Corp. to restart oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit.
  • The Santa Ynez Unit has been shut down since a pipeline rupture on May 19, 2015 that spilled over 2,900 barrels of oil.

The players

Chris Wright

U.S. Energy Secretary who directed Sable Offshore Corp. to restart oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit off the coast of Santa Barbara, California.

Sable Offshore Corp.

A Houston-based oil and gas company that acquired the Santa Ynez Unit from ExxonMobil in 2024 and has been seeking to reopen the facility.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who criticized the Trump administration's order, stating that California will not allow the Santa Ynez Unit to be restarted in defiance of court orders.

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What they’re saying

“The Trump Administration remains committed to putting all Americans and their energy security first. Unfortunately, some state leaders have not adhered to those same principles, with potentially disastrous consequences not just for their residents, but also our national security.”

— Chris Wright, U.S. Energy Secretary

“California will not stand by while the Trump administration attempts to sacrifice our coastal communities, our environment, and our $51 billion coastal economy.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Sable Offshore to restart operations at the Santa Ynez Unit, despite the federal government's order.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and California over energy and environmental policies, with the Trump administration prioritizing national security and energy independence, while California seeks to protect its coastal communities and environment.