Speaking of the Willow project in Alaska: did President Biden telegraph his decision when he appeared to go "off script" during the State of the Union Address? Did the president telegraph that he had made up his mind and that the announcement would be made soon so that COP can get started this spring/summer? I think he did.
For many, it's a win-win.
If the Biden administration denies the project, it's bullish for those long in oil.
If the Biden administration approves the project it will suggest to investors there really will be a shortage. The Biden administration is so "green," that if there was any hint this project was not strategically necessary, the project would be killed.
This is the crux of the matter: if the TransAlaska Pipeline fails due to lack of crude oil, that pipeline will never be re-built. This is an existential issue for Alaska oil.
The fact that it's taken this long for the announcement -- when the decision has obviously already been made, suggests that those in the Oval Office are now arguing / discussing when best to announce the decision.
Both COP and the White House know the "drop dead date." After a certain date, even if approved it will be too late to start the project this summer.
Link here for a nice update. Nothing new but it came out a day later than The Washington Post story a week ago and is closer to the story than The Washington Post.
Two updates posted today:
- Alaska Beacon; and,
- press release, Senator Lisa Murkowski in response to the SOTU address.
Time line: the Department of Interior has 30 days following the BLM decision to make its decision. The BLM decision was made on/about February 1, 2023 (the report was apparently released that day).
February is a short month this year; 30 days falls on Friday, March 3, 2023.
The following day: another race begins.
More specifically, Golva, ND, on the Montana state line in southwestern North Dakota, Lone Tree township, Golden Valley County.
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