Drilling for BP project likely pushed to 2011

JUNEAU - BP will likely push to next year plans to drill its first development well as part of its Liberty project, off Alaska's coast.

BP Alaska spokesman Steve Rinehart says that since the company announced its intentions to begin drilling this fall, state and federal agencies have indicated that they plan additional review of the project. He says the timing and scope of those reviews aren't clear yet, and that, in the interest of allowing for a comprehensive review, the company felt it best not to try to stick to a firm drilling schedule.

He says it now seems more likely that drilling would begin next year.