Another important step toward drilling this summer

U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today released the following statement after the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) issued an approval of Shell Oil’s Spill Response Plan (OSRP) for the Beaufort Sea, beginning July 1.

“Today’s approval from the Interior Department is another welcome and promising step toward development of Alaska’s crucial oil and gas resources.

“As we continue to push the White House to develop Alaska’s vast energy potential, approval of this oil spill response plan affirms that we are moving in the right direction toward opening the Arctic and helping to achieve America’s national and economic security while creating thousands of much-needed jobs.

“I will continue to work double-time to develop Alaska’s resources rather than engage in the political tricks on display in the Senate this week. Shell needs to be able to get to work this summer.”