A Citizen’s Guide

From InfoPipe fill-in R.A. Dillon in Juneau:

An Anchorage Superior Court judge is expected to rule by the end of November on whether the state followed the law when it revoked Exxon Mobil’s leases at Point Thomson.

Judge Sharon Gleason held a hearing Oct. 5 on Exxon’s appeal of the Department of Natural Resources decision. State officials are confident of a ruling in their favor -– at least on part of the issue.

When the state yanked the leases and dissolved the Point Thomson unit, it did not take a separate look at seven of the leases that have wells capable of producing. It could be required to do so.

State officials expect a ruling in their favor on those leases that do not have workable wells, though.

A decision in the state’s favor will not be the end of the matter. Exxon is likely to continue to appeal the case through the Alaska Supreme Court.

However, a victory would add momentum to the Palin administration’s push for natural gas pipeline applications, which are due Nov. 30.