Kathmandu. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has directed a Southern California-based oil company to reopen. The move is expected to reduce potential disruptions to oil supplies and contribute to national energy security.

Under the directive, the Santa Ynez unit near Santa Barbara and the pipeline will be restarted. The unit consists of three drilling platforms, hydro and terrestrial pipelines and treatment facilities. The facility is capable of producing about 50,000 barrels of oil per day and will help replace about 1.5 million barrels of foreign crude oil monthly.

“The U.S. administration is determined to put energy security first for all Americans and the nation,” Wright said. Today’s directive will ensure the necessary energy supply to military installations on the west coast. ’

Earlier, on the first day of his second term, US President Donald Trump reversed the order imposed by former President Joe Biden to ban oil exploration.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement, “We are fully committed to protecting our coastal communities, environment, and local economy.” The state will take necessary steps in this regard.

In January, California affirmed its regulatory authority by suing over a pipeline resumption plan approved by the federal government.