Obama Administration Approves Shell’s Proposal for Arctic Drilling, With Some Conditions
Published at | Updated at
Photo by John Li / Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — The Obama administration granted conditional approval for Arctic drilling to Shell Oil Company on Monday.
According to a press release from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the decision to approve drilling was made following a “comprehensive review and consideration of comments received from the public, stakeholders, and Federal and state partner agencies and tribes.” Shell must still obtain necessary permits from multiple state and federal agencies.
The corporation will also be required to wait to begin drilling until opinions under the Endangered Species Act are issued. Once that occurs, Shell will additionally be obligated to follow any additional terms and conditions outlined under those opinions.
“We have taken a thoughtful approach to carefully considering potential exploration in the Chukchi Sea, recognizing the significant environmental, social and ecological resources in the region and establishing high standards for the protection of this critical ecosystem, our Arctic communities, and the subsistence needs and cultural traditions of Alaska Natives,” BOEM Director Abigail Ross Hopper said. “As we move forward, any offshore exploratory activities will continue to be subject to rigorous safety standards.”
The Chukchi Sea, off the northwest coast of Alaska, is “one of the most productive ocean ecosystems in the world,” according to the Audubon Society.
Shell has proposed the drilling of as many as six wells within the area.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.