Trump Administration Orders Sable Offshore to Restart Santa Ynez Oil Operations

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The Trump administration has directed Sable Offshore, an oil company, to restore oil drilling operations at the Santa Ynez unit and pipeline off the southern California coast. The order from the U.S. Energy Department is intended to address supply disruption risks caused by California policies that have left the region and U.S. military forces dependent on foreign oil, as fuel prices continue to rise in the wake of the war on Iran.

Why it matters

This directive represents the Trump administration's efforts to increase domestic oil production and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign energy sources, particularly amid rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions. The move is likely to face opposition from environmental groups concerned about the impact of offshore drilling on the California coast.

The details

The Energy Department said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright ordered Sable Offshore to restart operations at the Santa Ynez unit and pipeline to address supply disruption risks. The administration claims that California policies have left the region and U.S. military dependent on foreign oil, contributing to rising fuel prices.

• The Trump administration issued the directive on Friday, March 13, 2026.

What’s next

It is unclear if Sable Offshore will comply with the administration's directive or face legal challenges from environmental groups opposed to the restart of offshore drilling operations.