Sunday, November 6, 2011

Modest Improvements Can Extend Life of Alaska Pipeline by Decades

http://www.nrdc.org/media/2011/110921.asp 
The useful life of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) can be extended by at least three decades through modest improvements that also will yield profits at least ten times the upgrade costs, according to a new study by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The study debunks claims by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (“Alyeska”) that its pipeline will need to be shut down unless additional oil is allowed to flow through it.

``Our study exposes Alyeska’s big lie that more drilling should be allowed—so that more oil can be shipped through its pipeline,’’ said Chuck Clusen, NRDC’s director of national parks and Alaska projects. ``Alyeska’s claim is a transparent ploy to force the opening of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration. It’s not going to happen.’’

NRDC’s study, prepared by Innovation & Information Consultants, Inc., of Concord, Mass., and Orlando, Fla., comes on the same day as a House Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Arctic Refuge.

NRDC’s study concluded that by investing as little as $539 million to $721 million, Alyeska can prolong its pipeline’s life for at least 30 years, while maintaining a minimum daily flow rate of 150,000 to 200,000 barrels per day. That investment would result in approximately $12 billion in additional profits and an equal amount to Alaska’s state coffers in the form of additional royalty and tax revenue.
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Find the report here: http://docs.nrdc.org/energy/files/ene_11092001a.pdf

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) www.NRDC.org
Press Release dated September 21, 2011

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