President Trump is asserting executive authority to demand the controversial resumption of offshore oil drilling along California’s coastline as gas prices soar amid the ongoing war with Iran. Energy Secretary Chris Wright quickly responded with an order directing Sable Offshore Corp. to restore operations of the Santa Ynez Unit and Santa Ynez Pipeline System along the Santa Barbara County coast. “Donald Trump started a war, admitted it would spike gas prices nationwide, and told Americans it was a small price to pay,” Newsom said. They also follow years of effort from Houston-based Sable Offshore Corp. to revive dormant oil infrastructure along the Santa Barbara County coast. Two weeks into the Iran war, crude oil has reached $100 a barrel, and the average price of gas in California has topped $5.40 a gallon, according to the American Automobile Assn.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 14, 2026 02:29 UTC