Story perspectives

Burgum Labels CA Blockade “Energy Island,” Proposes $92B Plan

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said California's pipeline blockades made an “energy island” and led Trump administration to consider offshore drilling.
Prices rose 3.8% April, gasoline at $4.50 a gallon and Brent at $107 a barrel.
Burgum said Interior Department trimmed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements to the 20% by law, cutting assessments to 12 days.
Senator Dave McCormick unveiled a $92 billion plan, allocating $50 billion for energy production and transmission.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Arab oil embargo, when OPEC cut production by 5 % each month and spurred the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1974 that created the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, forced the United States to confront fuel shortages. Today, California’s pipeline blockades and new offshore-drilling proposals echo that urgency, as policymakers again cite energy security and price volatility.

1 of 2

Story summary

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said California's pipeline blockades made an “energy island” and led Trump administration to consider offshore drilling.
Prices rose 3.8% April, gasoline at $4.50 a gallon and Brent at $107 a barrel.
Burgum said Interior Department trimmed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements to the 20% by law, cutting assessments to 12 days.
Senator Dave McCormick unveiled a $92 billion plan, allocating $50 billion for energy production and transmission.

1 / 2