Brian I agree with most of what you said, and had been thinking along similar lines. I think I differ from you in that I doubt CA wants to exacerbate relations with their customer.

However your main point is excellent, that our (US) actions in effect attempt to modify conditions would seem to invalidate contractual obligations. How long does does contract apply anyway?

It brought to mind the silliness of the US ethanol mandate. Put ethanol in gasoline and raise our fuel and food prices, create food shortages, decrease fuel efficiency, and do little for the environment.

Now we want to restrict oil supply conditions, and again raise our fuel prices. It's lunacy.