Story perspectives

Newsom Slams Trump’s Offshore Oil Restart as Illegal

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for restarting offshore oil operations and condemned the move as illegal.
He said the policy prioritizes oil production over environmental protections.
The Energy Department, led by Secretary Chris Wright, invoked the Defense Production Act to resume Sable Offshore Corp.'s operations at the Santa Ynez unit.
California officials plan legal challenges to the federal order over the pipeline system.

History

Historical Context

The Defense Production Act (DPA), enacted in 1950 amid the Korean War, aimed to bolster national defense by prioritizing resource production. Over the decades, it has been invoked for various purposes, including energy diversification and environmental management. Governor Gavin Newsom's criticism of offshore oil operations reflects ongoing conflicts between energy production and environmental protection, highlighting the DPA's lasting impact on federal-state relations and resource management.

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Story summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump for restarting offshore oil operations and condemned the move as illegal.
He said the policy prioritizes oil production over environmental protections.
The Energy Department, led by Secretary Chris Wright, invoked the Defense Production Act to resume Sable Offshore Corp.'s operations at the Santa Ynez unit.
California officials plan legal challenges to the federal order over the pipeline system.

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