Shell Gets Conditional Approval to Explore in Chukchi

But season is shaved by 38 days

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By Bill McAllister
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Story Created: Dec 17, 2011 at 10:05 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 17, 2011 at 10:05 AM AKDT

For one oil and gas explorer, it’s starting to feel like a shell game.

A federal agency issued conditional approval for Shell to drill in the Chukchi Sea next year, but shaved 38 days off the potential drilling season.

Shell is five years along and $4 billion deep into its attempt to drill in the Chukchi Sea.

The latest regulatory hurdle creates doubt as to whether the company can finally make it happen next year.

Environmentalists, of course, do not want to see any offshore drilling. But Shell says it has invested a lot into oil spill preparedness.

The Center for Biological Diversity might sue over the conditional approval for Shell to drill next year.

Meanwhile, Shell hopes to re-engage the Interior Department to see about getting approval for drilling from July 15 to October 31, the window specified in federal law.

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One Question.. said on Saturday, Dec 17 at 6:19 PM

Who is going to profit and benefit from the drilling I wonder?

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