Alaskan Oil Issue Lingers

Although the Clinton Administration reportedly favors lifting the ban on the export of North Slope Alaskan oil, no decision has been made. The ban is contained in the U.S. Export Administration Act, which was extended on August 19 by Executive Order of the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, pending Congressional action.

The amendment to lift the ban includes a provision which would limit the carriage of the oil on U.S.- owned ships operated by U. S. crews. There is no U.S.-build or U.S.-repair requirement. Earlier, the amendment would have required the oil to be transported on vessels which qualify for the U.S. domestic, coastwise (Jones Act) trade. However, international objections tc such an expansion of the Jones Act, coupled with the possibility that the Jones Act itself could be endangered, reportedly prompted the amendment to be revised.