[thackney]

Where does the pipeline end? Japan? Didn’t think so.

That one doesn't help much. It ends in Valdez, Alaska where it is loaded on Tankers to be shipped elsewhere. Of course it is going to the closest market with the largest demand, the US West coast.

[Old North State]

I think oil represents the ultimate, fungible, international commodity. The price is set on world markets based on world supply and world demand both of which are mostly beyond US control. That said, we here in the US have little room to whine about prices or foreign control while we refuse to add to supply, if just for internal markets.

[RightWhale]

Back in 1985 or so on a flight from Fairbanks to Seattle we passed over Anchorage on a clear day with the sun lighting up the mountains behind the city and that was postcard picture worthy. Then we passed over Valdez and a little farther on we passed over about 15 of those oil tankers waiting for their turn at the spigot. Everybody on the plane went to the port side to get a look and the pilot had to lean on the control stick to restore balance.