Young Congratulates Shell on Critical Step for Chukchi Exploration
Washington,
April 1, 2010
Washington D.C. – Alaskan Congressman Don Young commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of an air quality permit for Shell that will bring them one step closer to conducting exploratory drilling on their leases in the Chukchi Sea.
"It’s about time that unelected bureaucrats stop holding Shell’s shareholders’ hostage," said Rep. Don Young. "In 2008, Shell spent $2.1 billion acquiring leases in the Chukchi, and while the U.S. Treasury has been counting their money for over two-years, Shell has been denied the ability to access the areas they’ve leased fair-and-square. The delay has gone on for too long, and I am pleased that they’ve surpassed this significant hurdle.
"I am grateful that we’re moving towards development of a world class resource that will strengthen our struggling economy and bring us closer to energy independence. However, after yesterday’s unveiling of the ‘Obama Moratorium,’ it is clear that there will be many challenges ahead."
This air quality permit addresses air emissions from the Frontier Discoverer drillship and its support fleet of two icebreaker ships and a supply ship. The Minerals Management Service estimates the Chukchi holds more than 15 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 77 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
