Trump rightly overrides California’s pipeline blockade

California’s energy crisis should concern policymakers at both the state and federal levels, but so far only one side appears to be taking it seriously. For more than two years, California officials blocked Sable’s offshore drilling operation from bringing its product to market. By invoking emergency powers, President Donald Trump cut through that regulatory blockade, clearing the way for Sable to resume production and move its supply through the Santa Ynez pipeline.

The successful restart of the pipeline does more than just move oil — it establishes a massive legal and political precedent. By using the Defense Production Act, the administration effectively argued that the “green” agenda of a single state cannot legally or ethically jeopardize the fuel security of the U.S. military or the economic stability of consumers. 

This move by the Trump administration shows it cares for the well-being of the nation’s consumers and the economic stability that plays a large