Rob Bonta says there’s no 'energy emergency' to reopen pipeline, blames Trump for gas price spike

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA: California Attorney General Rob Bonta said there is no energy emergency justifying the restart of a major oil pipeline, while also blaming Donald Trump for rising gas prices.

Bonta made the remarks as California continues its legal fight against the Trump administration’s move to restart the Sable offshore pipeline system.

Rob Bonta says pipeline restart won’t lower prices

On Tuesday, March 31, broadcast of Bloomberg’s ‘Balance of Power,’ California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) opposed attempts by the Trump administration to reopen a pipeline in the state.

He said that there is no national energy emergency, stating, “The answer is, end the military conflict in Iran. He should’ve never gotten us into it in the first place. It has made gas prices spike. It lays at his feet, his actions, his conduct vis-à-vis Iran, period, full stop.”

Bonta also said the restart of the Sable pipeline would not significantly reduce fuel costs.

According to his remarks, increasing oil flow through the pipeline would have little to no impact on gasoline prices in California.

Co-host Kailey Leinz asked, “Does the president forcing these kind of issues, forcing offshore drilling in the Pacific, for example, is that an answer, somewhat, to this spike?”

Rob Bonta blames Trump for rising gas prices

Bonta also blamed the Trump administration for the recent spike in gas prices, linking it to broader policy decisions and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

“The amount of oil that moves through that pipeline is negligible, a fraction of 1%. We don’t have a national energy emergency, despite the claims of the president,” he said.

He said the administration’s actions, including its handling of global conflicts and energy policy, contributed to higher fuel costs.

The comments come as gas prices have risen amid instability tied to international developments, including conflict involving Iran.

“We produce more oil and gas than we actually use. And so, the attempts for the Trump administration to take over the Sable offshore pipeline and provide an emergency permit and federalize it and to invoke the Defense Production Act [are] all inappropriate,” he added.

Bonta said, “It tramples on California’s state sovereignty, as well as violates existing court orders. So, these things are not connected. Trump owns the increased prices across the country.”

The Trump administration has defended the pipeline restart, saying it is necessary to boost domestic energy production and address supply concerns.