California oil fight tests state's right to push back against Washington during war
Summary
The Trump administration ordered an oil company to restart drilling off the coast of California, despite state opposition, citing national security reasons related to global oil supply risks. California officials argue the action violates state laws and environmental protections and have taken legal steps to stop the operation.Key Facts
- Oil is flowing again through a Pacific Ocean pipeline that crosses California state park land after being idle since a 2015 oil spill.
- The 2015 spill caused extensive environmental damage, killing many animals and harming fisheries.
- The federal government used a Cold War-era law to require Sable Offshore Corp. to resume oil production, citing the Iran war and global oil supply concerns.
- Over 60% of oil refined in California is imported, much passing through a risky shipping channel near Iran.
- California officials are suing to stop the pipeline and want it removed, calling the federal action trespassing.
- The local community opposes the drilling due to past pollution and environmental risks.
- Sable claims to have all required permits and says production will boost California’s in-state oil by 15%.
- Experts and California’s Attorney General say the federal government’s national security argument is not valid and that U.S. oil production already exceeds demand.
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