Rep. Vince Fong Visits Sable Offshore Energy Facility, Praises Trump Action

BAKERSFIELD, CA - This week, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) along with other federal officials, including leadership from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), visited the Sable Offshore facility in Southern California, as the Trump Administration moves to restart oil production at the Santa Ynez Unit under the Defense Production Act.

The Department of Energy has directed the restart of production at three offshore platforms, Harmony, Heritage, and Hondo, expected to produce approximately 50,000 barrels per day with the goal of higher production to strengthen domestic supply and limit our reliance on foreign nations for our critical energy supply.

The visit included briefings on pipeline safety, production capabilities, and ongoing federal oversight as operations resume.

Despite President Trump's and Energy Secretary Chris Wright's actions to re-open the facility and deliver affordable energy for Californians, Sacramento Democrats have gone as far as filing lawsuits to prevent Sable from re-opening.

"President Trump is taking decisive action to restore American energy independence and strengthen our national security," said Rep. Fong. "When we produce energy at home, we reduce reliance on foreign oil and provide our state and nation with energy security."

Fong contrasted the federal effort with California's current energy policies, which have increased dependence on foreign crude and reduced in-state capacity.

"Governor Newsom's policies have disastrously pushed California into dangerous dependence on foreign oil," Fong said. "In 1982, just 6 percent of our crude was imported. Today, it's more than 60 percent-much of it from countries like Iraq and Brazil. At the same time, refinery closures and stalled infrastructure are shrinking in-state capacity, driving up costs, and weakening our energy security. Despite sitting on abundant resources, Californians pay the highest gas prices in the nation because of the lack of domestic and affordable production."

Fong also highlighted the national security risks, particularly along the West Coast.

"Reliable, affordable fuel is essential for our military and our economy," Fong added. "We should be producing energy here at home-not outsourcing it to foreign countries. The Trump Administration is right to act, and California must reverse course."