A Citizen’s Guide

First: Alaska North Slope crude oil dropped a big fat $3.45 on Tuesday, to the very low price of $89.67.

Just for reference, here’s the prices from the past couple of years, according to the state Revenue Department. I used nearby dates when Nov. 13 fell on a weekend.

Nov. 13, 2006: $53.58

Nov. 14, 2005: $55.79

Nov. 12, 2004: $41.00

Prevaling value for November 2003: $28.55

Prevaling value for November 2002: $27.53

Prevaling value for November 2001: $19.45

Then: The question in Juneau has shifted from whether the Senate bill will follow the House, to if the Senate will even have a bill by Friday night. That’s prompted another question: What’s taking so long? Some say legal and some say stalling. But unless lawmakers want to watch the Macy’s Day Parade in the state capitol, Palin suggests they better pass something.

And Finally: NPR aired a story yesterday on how high oil prices spur exploration, which is central to the debate going on in Juneau. Some of this doesn’t apply to the Arctic in the same way it applies to oil development in the Gulf of Mexico or across the Lower 48, but the basic premise remains.

“Already, energy companies are investing more in heavy oil from tar sands or shale. But, if the past is a guide, oil prices will have to stay high for these pricey alternatives to remain viable alternatives.”