The announcement from ConocoPhillips last week that the cost of the Willow project has increased to $9 billion means that state revenues in future years will be lower for longer.
This will add to the Dunleavy deficit projections unless the governor abandons the practice he adopted in the aftermath of the recall movement, ignoring his responsibility and forcing the Legislature to balance the budget.
ConocoPhillips now says the Willow project, about half finished, will cost between $8.5 billion and $9 billion, with oil expected to flow in early 2029.
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