Mar 15, Kathmandu - In a move aimed at strengthening national energy security, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has directed the restart of an oil company located in Southern California. This decision is expected to minimize potential disruptions in oil supply and contribute to the country’s energy resilience.

Following the directive, the Santa Ynez facility near Santa Barbara, including a pipeline and drilling platforms, will be brought back online. The facility comprises three drilling rigs, pipelines on land and water, and processing units capable of producing approximately 50,000 barrels of oil daily. This will help replace around 1.5 million barrels of foreign crude oil each month.

Secretary Wright emphasized the administration’s commitment, stating, “The United States government remains resolutely committed to prioritizing the energy needs of all American citizens and securing our national energy infrastructure. Today’s directive will ensure essential energy supplies to our military installations in the West.”

This decision comes after President Donald Trump reversed an order by former President Joe Biden that paused oil drilling activities. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concern over the move, stating, “We are fully committed to protecting our coastal communities, environment, and local economy. The state will take necessary steps to safeguard these interests.”

In January, California filed a legal challenge to the federal government’s plan to restart the pipeline, asserting its regulatory authority over local environmental and economic interests.