[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I wonder how many proposed pipelines into California have been denied because of environmental concerns?

[CedarDave]

Environmental laws are one reason old pipelines are being rehabilitated; they are already on rights-of-way that have been previously and historically used for fuel delivery. Although environmental studies are needed, they are far less onerous that those required for new lines. And when new lines cross federal lands, look out for an endless parade of EIS's, public hearings, court fights, appeals, etc. Yes, they are very much a big part of why we occassionally have localized energy shortages leading to high commodity prices in the US.

[Lion's Cub]

I don't know who's right or wrong here, but we have Grey Davis as governor, Al Gore as VP, Occidental Petroleum, and a judge from Tennessee. That's a formula for corruption if ever I saw one. And it was Gore, I'm sure, who manipulated the Elk Hills reserve sale to Occidental.