Number: RS22142
Title: West Coast and Alaska Oil Exports
Authors: Larry Kumins, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: As a reaction to oil price and supply concerns, questions about the export of crude oil produced on Alaska's North Slope are often directed at Members of Congress. The export of this oil had been prohibited by the 1973 law allowing the construction of the pipeline system now transporting oil to the ice-free, southern Alaska port of Valdez. But following a period of depressed oil prices, legislation was enacted in 1995 permitting export. Relatively small amounts - never more than 7% - of Alaskan crude were sold to Korea, Japan, China, and some other countries. These exports stopped by 2000. Currently, no crude is exported from the West Coast.
Pages: 6
Date: May 25, 2006