[RHINO369]

Why does it take 10 years to start an oil well?

[ABG(anybody but Gore)]

It doesn't take 10 years for a single well, but to get a field like ANWR operating, pipe needs to be laid to connect with the rest of the Alaska pipeline and the entire field brought into production before you'll actually see oil moving down to Valdez. A crash project where the oil companies band together and get crews working day and night could cut some time off that estimate, but it would still be a few years before ANWR oil makes it into your gas tank.

[jec41]

10 years to produce a large well. About 2 years for the leases and permits if you are lucky. Next a well has to be drilled and reserves proved before anyone will build the pipe line need for any large production which can take many years in the An war. Depending on the mud and supplies needed for a deep well and any disposal It could take 1-2 years just to drill the well. Then there is the matter of investment and that can sometimes take 10 years by itself and in many cases more than 10. Its not as simple as most people might think.

[Titanites]

Why does it take 10 years to start an oil well?

In short: environmental studies, reviews, hearings, and permitting.

[Integrityrocks]

Why does it take 10 years? Well.... here you go.

Alaska has been in negotiations with the oil companies for more than 10 years trying to put together lease agreements to drill in land they don't own. (regardless of the U.S. congressional haggelings) Those lease agreements and the ensuing legislation that goes along with them involve a litany of beauracratic levels, hearings etc, to get through.

That's the short answer.

[Cobra64]

Why does it take 10 years to start an oil well?

It doesn't. But, there is more than just punching a hole in the ground to get refined product to the pump.