CBC.  Oil prices may be at a two-year low, but that doesn’t seem to be dampening the spirits at the International Pipeline Exposition in Calgary.

Cryopolitics by Mike Bennett On September 26, ConocoPhillips‘ Polar Discovery departed the Valdez Marine Terminal in Alaska for Yeosu, South Korea.    …     The 1975 Energy Policy and Conservation Act, passed during the oil embargo to protect American consumers from price shocks and volatility, generally prohibits U.S. oil from export. Debate over the practicality of the law has grown in recent years, especially thanks to the hydraulic fracking boom in North Frank Murkowski, crude oil exports, Alaska, U.S. Senate, father of senator Lisa Murkowski, Dave Harbour PhotoDakota. Still, only a few select locations in the U.S. are exempt from the ban. Oil transported through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline has been permitted export since 1996, while Cook Inlet oil has enjoyed the privilege for a longer time, since 1985. At the time, then senator Frank Murkowski (NGP Photo) declared,

“This is a small beginning but it can be a catalyst to unlock some of the previously impenetrable barriers.”

Lisa Murkowski, crude oil exports, Alaska, U.S. Senate, daughter of senator Frank Murkowski, Dave Harbour PhotoIf that name sounds familiar, that’s because Murkowski is the father of current Senator Lisa Murkowski (NGP Photo), who filled his seat when he became governor in 2002. She then won election in 2004. Remarking on the export of North Slope oil to Korea, Murkowski stated in words that echoed her predecessor:

“This is the first North Slope cargo to leave Alaska for overseas markets in a decade. I am encouraged to see Alaska increasing its participation in global oil markets. It’s my hope that Lower 48 oil will soon follow suit.”