An Energy Information Administration official spoke with Alaska Dispatch's own Rena Delbridge about a new report from EIA on the potential for Alaska's natural gas pipeline. The report indicates that the project might be pushed a little more into the future. Because of the surge in Lower 48's production of shale gas, Alaska's project is becoming a lower priority. That analysis won't surprise anyone who has been following the shale gas situation, but the most interesting part to Alaska Beat is that the delay caused by shale gas may push the Alaska project out far enough to coincide with increased U.S. demand just as shale gas wells experience a decline. Given the time-frames here, no one really knows for certain, and both optimists and pessimists are looking forward to the 2010 open seasons, when producers' intentions will become clearer. Read more here. Also, check out this brief analysis from a Gerson Lehrman Group member in response to a recent story from The Wall Street Journal about Gov. Parnell's focus on energy. That analysis argues that Alaska should forget about building a gas pipeline to the Lower 48, and instead should invest in liquid natural gas facilities because LNG has better logistical properties, and thus can be shipped to rural Alaska and Asian markets more easily. Read more here.