The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), a massive pipeline that transports 25 percent of the oil produced in America, is facing potential closure due to a legal petition filed by environmental activists. The petition argues that the pipeline is nearing the end of its useful life and poses risks to the Arctic ecosystem and the need for a rapid transition to renewable energy. The coalition of environmental groups includes organizations like the Center for Biological Diversity and Pacific Environment.
Stretching 800 miles with a diameter of 48 inches, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was constructed in the late 1970s at a cost of $8 billion. It is currently owned by a consortium of companies including BP, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Unocal Pipeline Company, and Koch Alaska Pipeline Company. The pipeline received approval from the federal government under the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act in 1973, granting it “right of way” through federal lands.
The coalition argues that the environmental analysis conducted when the pipeline was approved failed to consider climate change issues and the harm caused to wildlife and subsistence resources in Alaska. They have requested a new supplemental environmental impact statement and the drafting of a Dismantlement, Removal, and Restoration plan for the pipeline.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has criticized the environmental groups, calling them “anarchists” and pointing out what he sees as logical fallacies in their argument. However, experts believe that the petition is unlikely to be accepted by the Bureau of Land Management, the relevant authority within the Department of the Interior. Dan Kish, senior vice president of policy at the Institute for Energy Research, predicts that if rejected, the coalition will take legal action and seek out a federal judge who may be sympathetic to their cause.
The potential closure of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System would have significant consequences. Enormous quantities of oil, gas, and coal from the North Slope of Alaska would be cut off. This would not only impact the energy industry but also have economic and geopolitical implications. The pipeline currently moves fewer than 500,000 barrels per day, down from over 2 million barrels per day in 1988.
There are concerns that the efforts to shut down the pipeline may lead to a phase known as “sue and settle,” where plaintiffs bring a lawsuit against the federal government and reach a settlement that favors their demands. Critics argue that this process undermines the constitutional rights of the government and allows for undue influence by interest groups.
In addition to the oil pipeline, there are also plans to build a natural gas pipeline in Alaska’s North Slope. The region is estimated to contain about 35 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, with the potential for more than 200 trillion cubic feet. However, these plans may be jeopardized if the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is shut down.
The owners of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System have invested significant resources in preventing oil spills and ensuring the safe transportation of oil through measures like the Ship Escort Response Vessel System. They spend $60 million annually and have a dedicated team of professionals stationed along the pipeline to respond to any issues.
While the fate of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System remains uncertain, it is clear that its closure would have far-reaching consequences. It is essential to consider the environmental impacts and the need for alternative energy sources while also addressing the economic and energy security concerns associated with such a decision. Finding a balance between environmental protection and energy needs will be critical in determining the future of this iconic pipeline.
