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Trump officials back firm in fight over California offshore oil drilling after huge spill
The Trump administration backs Sable’s plan to resume offshore drilling despite $18 million in fines and felony charges amid California’s environmental and legal opposition.
- This month, the Trump administration backed Sable, Texas-based fossil fuel company that bought the Santa Ynez Unit in 2024 for nearly $650 million as BSEE works to bring a second rig online.
- After the 2015 spill, a corroded pipeline rupture released more than 140,000 gallons, blackening 150 miles of Southern California coast and shuttering three decades-old drilling platforms.
- State and local prosecutors have pursued legal action, with the California Attorney General's office suing this month and the Santa Barbara District Attorney filing felony charges last month, while the California Coastal Commission fined Sable $18 million.
- Santa Barbara County elected officials voted in May to phase out onshore oil as local opposition grows, while Alex Katz said `This project risks another environmental disaster in California at a time when demand for oil is going down and the climate crisis is escalating`.
- Agency figures show about 190 million barrels of recoverable oil, nearly 80% of residual Pacific reserves, while Jim Flores said on May 19 well tests could lower California gas prices.
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44 Articles
44 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources44
Leaning Left9Leaning Right5Center24Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Center
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
63% Center
L 24%
C 63%
13%
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