Trump administration reviews California coastal authority amid new oil push

The Trump administration is reviewing California's coastal management program, raising concerns that federal officials could limit the California Coastal Commission's authority over projects involving federal agencies. This review is part of a broader push to expand oil and gas development, including plans for new offshore leases in California and Florida. Federal actions have also included reviving an old pipeline system after a 2015 spill and moves to potentially permit fracking on an offshore platform near Ventura County. Environmental advocates warn these moves could weaken protections for beaches, bluffs, and wildlife and set a precedent for other states. Supporters argue the actions are aimed at energy security and job creation, signaling a shift away from renewables toward fossil fuels. Critics, such as Stanford Law School professor Deborah Sivas, argue that the federal government is asserting control over state policy on coastal matters.