Here.

Bakken has many other merits. Bakken’s crude is easy to refine. Unlike the Gulf Coast, Bakken is not vulnerable to weather or terror disruptions. Unlike Alaska, there are no geographical problems getting Bakken’s oil and gas to refineries and markets. Local politicians are enthusiastic backers of development and support plans to expand supporting infrastructure in the area.

Should Bakken live up to this hypothetical potential, the economic and national security implications would be significant. Production from the Bakken formation could create a large positive swing in the U.S. balance of payments. This would open up decision-making flexibility for U.S. economic policymakers. And in the national security realm, future U.S. presidents would have more policy options available for their consideration as they contemplate problems such as Iran.

Another promising sign in that area was the approval for the first new refinery in the U.S. in thirty years.

The environmentalists will, of course, continue to try to kill it but we can hope for the best.