It's hard to be sure of what this president is considering or doing based on his remarks. He can be difficult to follow and often just says whatever comes to mind without really thinking about it.
Very true, one probably needs to look at results instead. Who would have expected drilling in Anwar to be approved after 40 years of trying. The original article does have 'Looking' highlighted which I would take to mean he has at least discussed it and his comments citing specific code to be used to do so seems to support that. It would seem that
section 202 may not apply in steady state but the argument of power needs in a polar vortex may justify it. I personally don't know but after the loss of Pilgrim during a cold snap I would lean not.