The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement cleared Platform Heritage, part of Sable Offshore Corp.’s Santa Ynez Unit offshore Santa Barbara, California, to resume operations, according to an April 1 announcement.
The decision marks a step forward for domestic energy production. The Santa Ynez Unit includes Platforms Heritage, Harmony and Hondo. The restart is expected to increase California’s in-state oil supply and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
In March 2026, the U.S. Secretary of Energy directed Sable Offshore Corp. to restore operations at the Santa Ynez Unit under authorities delegated through the Defense Production Act and Executive Orders 13603 and 14391.
Sable’s facilities are projected to produce 50,000 barrels of oil a day. According to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), this output will help support California refineries while maintaining local jobs and revenues within the state economy.
“BSEE inspectors conducted a rigorous verification of all required safety systems and confirmed regulatory compliance before clearing Platform Heritage to restart operations,” said BSEE Principal Deputy Director Kenneth Stevens. “Our team will maintain vigilant oversight every step of the way to help ensure offshore operations continues safely, responsibly, and with strong environmental stewardship.”
Platform Heritage is set to begin production soon as the second platform in the unit coming online. The Bureau describes itself as the lead federal agency charged with improving safety and ensuring environmental protection related to offshore energy activities on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
