What’s next for Alaska’s Willow oil project? AP explains

Alaska’s Willow oil project has been long in the making, and the potential for a major energy development in the state has made it a widely watched endeavor. Now, the State of Alaska is assessing the next steps for the project, which could be a major boon to the economy. Here, the Associated Press explains what could be on the horizon for Willow.

The Willow project will be a large-scale oil development located within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. The project is expected to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, with a possible expansion to 200,000 barrels per day. The project will also create an estimated 6,000 jobs and produce an estimated $1.8 billion in economic benefits over its lifespan.

The State of Alaska has developed a comprehensive plan for the project, which includes the development of an onshore pipeline and an offshore pipeline that will transport the oil to market. The State has also proposed a series of regulations that would ensure that the project is developed responsibly and in accordance with safety and environmental standards.

The State is currently in the process of developing an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will assess the potential impacts of the project on the environment. The EIS will also include a detailed analysis of the project’s economic impacts and the potential benefits to the state.

Once the EIS is complete, the State will review the findings and make a decision on whether to approve the project. If approved, the project will move forward with construction. The timeline for the project is not yet known, but the State is aiming for a 2021 start date.

The Willow project could be a major boon to the economy of Alaska, providing much-needed jobs and revenue. But the project must be carefully managed and developed in accordance with environmental and safety regulations. The State of Alaska is in the process of assessing the next steps for the project, and the results of the EIS will be a major factor in determining whether the project moves forward.