Chukchi Sea Oil Spill Response Plan Approved

After three years, plan finally approved

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By Megan Edge

Story Created: Feb 17, 2012 at 4:28 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 18, 2012 at 12:16 AM AKDT

ALASKA – Friday Shell’s Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) was approved, for the Chukchi Sea, by the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

This plan has been under construction for three years and has cleared another “hurdle” according to Senator Mark Begich. Senator Lisa Murkowski and U.S. Congressman Don Young are on the same page as Begich, both applauding the plan.

“In addition to good news for Alaska jobs, this announcement includes a series of steps showing the federal government it’s preparing for short-time emergency response as well as long-term science to facilitate responsible development of Arctic resources,” said Begich.

Shell’s OSRP consists of a 24/7, near shore and on-shore Arctic-class oil response fleet. This fleet will work with and correspond with the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Alaska is ready, the Coast Guard says its ready and now Shell is ready; lets start developing, this summer, the resources in the Arctic for the good of this nation,” said Young.

“Our Alaska exploration plans and Oil Spill Response Plans will continually be guided by our extensive Arctic expertise, solid scientific understanding and world-class capabilities,” said Shell Alaska Vice President Pete Slaiby, in a press release February 17.

Greenpeace oil campaigner, Dan Howells, isn't as pleased with the plan though. "This plan might have made sense in a cozy DC office, but try reading it in the middle of an Alaskan blizzard with gale force winds in November.

"Shell's gotten what it wanted this round, but when it comes to public opinion the battle hasn't even begun."

To read the full OSRP click here.

The Beaufort Oil Spill Response Plan has recently been filed and has not finished being reviewed.

 

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Joyce Hyatt said on Friday, Feb 17 at 5:05 PM

Read Vultures' Picnic, read Vultures' Picnic, read the book. Oil is a dirty business and oil companies have ripped the oil owners off.

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