Obama Taps Into Strategic Oil Reserve
With the flow of Libyan oil at a stalemate, the President ordered the release of 60 million barrels over the next 30 days to keep the world supply stable and gas prices from increasing.
The move was made in concert with the International Energy Agency (IEA), partly to assist countries like Italy that are highly dependent on Libyan oil. With the U.S. tapping into its strategic reserve, European nations will be able to draw more from Nigerian and Algerian crude, reports John M. Broder and Clifford Krauss.
While a press release from the Department of Energy emphasizes the worldwide benefits, it also recognizes the U.S. interest:
"As the United States enters the months of July and August, when demand is typically highest, prices remain significantly higher than they were prior to the start of the unrest in Libya."
Created in the 1970s during the Middle East oil crisis, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is rarely tapped.
Published on Thursday, June 23, 2011 in
- The $64 Million Intersection
- Developers Seeking Approval for Chicago's Second Tallest Skyscraper
- The Suburbs, Reimagined
- Developers Buy Land for 'Futuristic Mini-City' in Las Vegas
- $900 Million in BUILD Transportation Grants Announced
- SUVs Pay More to Park in Montreal
- Local Leaders Press Massachusetts for New Sources of Transportation Funding
- NYC Leads the Way (Sort of)
- Street Murals for Traffic Safety
- Reimagining Infrastructure
- 2,000 Units of Privately Funded Affordable Housing Approved for Queens
- To Reduce Carbon Emissions, Focus on Existing Buildings
- L.A.'s Strategy for 'Universal Basic Mobility'
- Berkeley to Explore 'Idaho Stop' Policy for People on Bikes
- Pittsburgh to Oakland BRT Making Planning Progress
- Controversial Redevelopment Approved in Coastal Agricultural Area
- Rose Bowl Property Ready for a Makeover
- Preserving Affordable Housing Along the Brightline in South Florida
- 'Project Connect' Bus System Plan Underway in Austin
- Flood Barrier Approved for Manhattan's East Side
