There hasn't been a new Petroleum refinery built in the U.S. since what 30,35 years now?
If one could fly, it would most likely be in big sky country far removed from neighboring communities and residential housing.
Everyone is talking of less reliance on foreign oil and more investment here in our own country.
Until systems are in place to replace fossil fuels as a dominate player in the energy sector [Which doesn't seem very likely until we've exhausted all efforts at depletion of reserves] production levels will be centered around areas containing the most abundant supplies.
Very interesting connect the dots links you have compiled.
With all the turmoil in the world usually centered around oil producing countries, is it any wonder that China an oil consumption powerhouse, would want to make inroads into a safe supply of energy?
This may be far reaching in it's design, but Montana is just over the mountains from Seattle where a supertanker could make it in and out of port.
Kind of funny to think about, seeings we are oil consumption pigs to actually becoming an oil and gas exporter.