Shell seeks to drill in Arctic seas this summer

[CHIMO]

Shell yesterday pushed ahead with plans to drill in the Arctic Sea this summer, defying calls for a moratorium on offshore exploration in the pristine wilderness following the Gulf of Mexico disaster.

California's governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, this month scrapped plans to allow offshore drilling in the state for the first time in more than 40 years and environmentalists have called for a halt in the Arctic after President Obama opened up the area to drilling for the first time last month.

However, Shell today refiled its drilling programme with the US authorities after being required to review its safety procedures following the Gulf spill and awaits final permits.

The industry will drill the first-ever large wells in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas in the Arctic, which are estimated to hold 27bn barrels of oil and gas.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/may/18/shell-arctic-drilling-opposition

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. I responded to this news in another thread - my response is the same

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Oh goodie:

It'll give us a whole new definition for "Black Ice"

(sigh)