This Fairbanks News-Miner editorial brings into question why oil companies aren't drilling where they have permission and so intent about drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  hmm? maybe not enough subsidies and greedy Alaskans wanting a free ride as oil welfare recipients.  Phyllis

Editorial

Late winter on the North Slope should be the time when oil rigs are busy. The weather is milder, the days are longer and the ground is frozen.

Yet last week the number of drill rigs working in Alaska was down to five, as reported by the industry reporting firm Baker Hughes Inc.

In contrast, the working rig count in Alaska was eight to 10 during the past decade.

Everyone has an opinion about what is causing the decline in Alaska drill work, but it’s difficult to deny the reality. At a time when oil production is declining steeply, that reality is not good for Alaska.

Of course, other work continues on the North Slope, under which most of Alaska’s petroleum lies. Job numbers get debated, but the raw statistics don’t show a crisis. Large sums are being spent on various projects.

But the only device that will tap new oil is a drill rig. If it isn’t spinning, no new oil is being found.

Industry officials assert that the drilling statistics and others reflect their hesitancy to invest in a place that taxes so heavily at high oil prices. It doesn’t matter that oil companies are highly profitable here, they say. If profits are greater elsewhere, shareholders rightfully demand investment in those areas and Alaska loses.

Others, however, remain skeptical of the need to whack the state’s tax rates as a way to stimulate greater drilling. They either deny the legitimacy of such solutions outright or ask for greater proof that tax cuts will lead to more production.

The skeptics won the legislative battle during this session. The result should be some good, intensive study of the issue in the coming months.

No one should be confused about the problem, though. Alaska’s oil production sustains the state, but it’s shrinking. Without more drilling, it will continue to do so.
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