U.S. Energy Secretary Wright has taken measures to address two significant challenges faced by the Trump administration: oil supply disruptions due to the Iran conflict and opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom. According to PANews, Wright issued an order to facilitate the reopening of an oil pipeline off the California coast, which had been shut down by state officials since 2015. The Department of Energy described this move as a strategy to reduce reliance on oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz.
The department's announcement highlighted that over 60% of the oil used by California refineries is sourced from overseas, with a substantial portion transported via the Strait of Hormuz, posing a significant national security threat. In a statement, Wright emphasized that this action would "strengthen America's oil supply and restore a pipeline system crucial to our national security and defense, ensuring reliable energy for military facilities on the West Coast."