# Donald Trump’s executive order could let California’s offshore oil firms abandon drills on seabed

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/donald-trumps-executive-order-could-let-californias-offshore-oil-firms-abandon-drills-on-seabed/
- Published: 2026-11-15T21:32:57+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T22:26:31+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/15/us-news/donald-trumps-executive-order-could-let-californias-offshore-oil-firms-abandon-drills-on-seabed/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- A 2027 proposal could make toppling retired California oil platforms standard.
- Full removal of some platforms can cost more than $200 million.
- Researchers cite habitat benefits; critics say companies would avoid cleanup costs.

## Summary

The Trump administration is considering allowing retired offshore oil platforms off California to be toppled onto the seabed, potentially avoiding the costly process of removing them. A proposal due in 2027 would make this the standard retirement method, a significant shift for a state where decommissioned platforms have so far been fully removed.

The change follows a September executive order directing the Interior Department to develop a programme for retired platforms to remain as artificial reefs. California has 23 platforms in federal waters, including eight being retired, plus four in state waters; removing some of the largest can cost more than $200 million each. Critics say leaving platforms would save oil companies substantial costs, while some marine researchers argue the structures can support ocean life. The proposal comes as the administration pursues new Pacific oil leases and Sable Offshore, which resumed pumping near Santa Barbara in March, has warned it may run out of money after Chevron halted purchases of its crude.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.