Alaska Pipline Production Slowing, and Cooling

The Alaska pipline flow is so low now that conversations about heating the oil to keep it flowing have started.
When will they let us drill.
I realize Alaska oil is a drop in the bucket for national demand but, lets get those drips, alot of people could be put to work.
http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/13 ... s-Refinery?

I`m sure it wpould cost more to heat the oil than what its worth, funny how it didn`t seem to be too much of a factor in the winter except for it getting more leaks. Probably want the Gov. to build them another one, as for more drilling why not drill where they can now? http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/03/25 ... 21290.html

Companies are doing all they can to develop federal energy resources, but a lease is not a green light to drill, it's the first step in a long expensive process riddled with bureaucratic red tape and lawsuits by environmental groups determined to stop domestic energy development.

An exhisting lease then would require the same amount of money, time & effort as a non-exhisting lease which would take that much more money, time & effort to get the new lease, so whats your point or am I missing something here?