Trump Administration Orders Restart of Pipeline Tied to Major California Oil Spill

"Californians have repeatedly rejected dangerous drilling off our coast for decades. Now, after dragging the U.S. into a war with Iran and driving up oil prices, the Trump administration is trying to exploit this crisis to further enrich the oil industry at the expense of our communities and our environment."

"Today's order will strengthen America's oil supply and restore a pipeline system vital to our national security and defense, ensuring that West Coast military installations have the reliable energy critical to military readiness."

The Trump administration issued an executive order authorizing the Department of Energy to increase oil and gas development under the Defense Production Act. Energy Secretary Chris Wright subsequently ordered Sable Offshore Corp. to restart the Santa Ynez Unit and Pipeline System along the Santa Barbara coast. This system includes an offshore rig and pipelines, one of which ruptured in 2015, spilling approximately 450,000 gallons of oil into Refugio State Beach and killing hundreds of marine mammals and birds. State leaders and environmental advocates expressed outrage at the decision. The administration justified the order as necessary for national security and military readiness on the West Coast, while critics argue it exploits the Iran crisis to benefit the oil industry at the expense of communities and the environment.

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