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This California Oil Pipeline Was Dormant for 11 Years. Trump Reopened It.
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The Trump administration reopened a Santa Barbara crude oil pipeline in March, dormant since a major 2015 spill, amid an oil shortage linked to the Iran war.
- The pipeline's restart has sparked significant local backlash and multiple lawsuits from environmental groups and California officials due to concerns over corrosion and potential ruptures.
- Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera for its scenic coastline, sits atop one of the world's richest offshore oil reserves, creating tension between economic interests and strong local environmental values.
- The pipeline controversy highlights the clash between President Trump's push for increased domestic oil production and the environmental priorities of a liberal state like California.
- Residents of Santa Barbara prioritize coastal preservation and natural beauty, underscoring the local resistance to fossil fuel infrastructure despite national energy policies.
