Trump administration pushes audit to undermine California Coastal Commission and enable offshore drilling

In an effort to pressure California into permitting more offshore drilling, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick directed NOAA auditors to review the state’s coastal management system, signaling an intent to cut its funding and revoke its certification. This move follows a NOAA audit that had previously praised the California Coastal Commission with an A+ rating. The Trump administration also used the Defense Production Act to sidestep state resistance to reopening the Sable oil pipeline off Santa Barbara.

Opposition is mounting from coastal businesses, environmental groups, and local officials who warn that a drilling rush could threaten the $50 billion tourism economy and cause spills. Experts describe the audit as a power grab that could set a precedent for other states. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has already released maps showing future drilling sectors, prompting California and allied groups to prepare legal challenges.