DOI approves drilling for oil in Chukchi Sea

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August 17, 2015

The Department of the Interior (DOI) approved Royal Dutch Shell PLC to drill for oil in the Chukchi Sea off the northwest coast of Alaska on August 17. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) approved Shell’s request to drill the top portion of a well in July, but did not allow further drilling until a capping stack was nearby to respond to a potential spill. With the stack in place, Shell now has permission to drill to oil-bearing depths to assess the prospect.

The Chukchi Sea remains largely unexplored, and Shell’s exploration will give scientists a better idea of the resources in the region. Supporters of drilling applauded the decision to explore new energy possibilities and emphasized the safety precautions that Shell has taken to avert and recover from a spill. Opponents accused the Administration for being hypocritical in warning of the dangers of climate change while encouraging access to fossil fuel resources.                                

Source: E&E News