Department of Interior Cancels Two Chukchi, Beaufort Sea, Lease Sales

Department of Interior Cancels Two Chukchi, Beaufort Sea, Lease Sales

In announcement on Friday, the Department of the Interior cited current market conditions and low industry interest as reasons for the cancellation of two potential Arctic offshore lease sales that were scheduled under the current five-year offshore oil and gas leasing program for 2012-2017. This news comes after Shell’s announcement that it would cease further exploration […]

Shell Arctic Drilling Plans Run into Yet Another Roadblock

Shell Arctic Drilling Plans Run into Yet Another Roadblock

A little known permitting requirement uncovered by a coalition of 10 environmental organizations and revealed by the San Francisco-based EarthJustice, that requires that a “letter of authorization” allowing companies drilling to disturb walruses and other marine mammals, precludes drilling within 15 miles of each other. According to Shell’s drilling plans, the two drill rigs would […]