But the mayor might not know that much. He may just think the SPR is there in case of shortages and there is a shortage in LA, therefore it is time to release it.

Actually he's the guvnur. My guess is he is ignorant of the facts. Of course I think it highly likely that some SPR oil will be released, assuming there is more working refinery capability than crude to supply them. I don't think anyone could argue that a short term release to cover a temprary weather related shortfall is a misuse of the SPR. But even if absolutely no physical damage happened, the shutdown, evacuate, evaluate, startup delays will mean product shortfalls are in the pipeline.

My read is a quid pro quo to GWB & Cheney.

LA Governor calls for SPR release just before election, (unlike evil, irresponsible Democrats who alos called for pre-election SPR releases). GWB wisely does so, in excess of any production shortfall.

Alan