Either way its public land. And if it goes into the state of Alaska coffers to be doled out as tax rebates, that does not make it free market. You are just arguing states rights on federal land. Its federal land because Alaska wanted the fed to take care of it. But no matter. Its all about how much Exxon pays for the rights so Halliburton can be paid to build a rig and the Koch brothers can build a pipe, everyone getting paid before the tax collectors of Alaska get theirs. Tell me why we we should care. Its like doing business in Russia. Tell me why this is free market. Tell me why this is not just one billionaire and his lobbyists scuffling with another billionaire and his lobbyists.
It has nothing to do with the price of oil when they are capping wells.
Because I don't want a hostile federal govt limiting the US from exploiting its own resources, creating jobs, and becoming independent of hostile foreign nations.
You seem to have a problem with successful businesses and business men.
You think that we should have stifling regulations kept in place now so that at some future date when we really do need the oil we cant get to it?