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Democratic Senators Oppose Proposed Emergency Oil Reserve on West Coast

KVIA•Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 6:04 PM•CNN Newsource

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Two Democratic senators, Alex Padilla and Patty Murray, have formally requested the Trump administration to abandon plans for an emergency oil reserve on the West Coast. In a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, they argue that establishing this reserve would violate the law and infringe upon Congress's authority. The proposal, initiated by Sable Offshore Corp., comes amid concerns over dwindling supplies in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and is seen by the senators as politically motivated rather than a genuine need. They emphasize that the Department of Energy should focus on existing reserves instead of pursuing costly new projects. The senators have demanded a full account of any communications regarding the proposed reserve and highlighted legislative barriers that could complicate its establishment.

Key Details: • Senators Padilla and Murray sent their letter on Wednesday, urging the cessation of the reserve project. • The SPR is currently at its lowest level since 1983, impacting national energy security. • The proposed reserve is linked to the Defense Production Act invoked by the Trump administration. • California's unique fuel specifications and lack of pipelines heighten its vulnerability to supply crises.

environment politics energy california oil-reserve

People & Organizations

CaliforniaDepartment of EnergyGavin NewsomChris WrightAlex PadillaTom KlozaPatty MurrayWest CoastKevin BookSable Offshore Corp.

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