Number: RL33716
Title: Alaska Natural Gas Pipelines: Interaction of the Natural Gas and Steel Markets
Authors: Stephen Cooney and Robert Pirog, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: Two major issues or uncertainties may serve as economic constraints on such a major capital investment undertaking. The first is whether the price of natural gas over the long term will repay investment in a project now estimated to cost $25 billion or more, and which would not deliver gas to the major U.S. markets before 2017. Secondly, the price of steel, the material to be used in building a pipeline, has more than doubled since 2003, and may account for a significant share of increased cost estimates.
Pages: 32
Date: March 28, 2007