Walrus cows and their calves in the Chukchi Sea. Photo by Brad Benter / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Interior Department gave conditional approval to an offshore drilling plan opposed by Alaska Natives.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement said Royal Dutch Shell won't be able to drill for oil and gas without meeting certain conditions. An announcement said Alaska Native concerns were taken into account.

"We have taken a thoughtful approach to carefully considering potential exploration in the Chukchi Sea, recognizing the significant environmental, social and ecological resources in the region and establishing high standards for the protection of this critical ecosystem, our Arctic communities, and the subsistence needs and cultural traditions of Alaska Natives, BOEM Director Abigail Ross Hopper said in a press release.

Alaska Natives oppose drilling in the Chukchi Sea. They are worried about the impact of development on whales, seals, polar bears and other subsistence foods.

Environmental groups also point out that Shell's offshore operation has been plagued by safety issues. The company paid more than $1 million in fines to the Environmental Protection Agency for violating federal law.

"This decision places big oil before people, putting the Arctic’s iconic wildlife and the health of our planet on the line," Erik Grafe, an attorney for Earthjustice said in a press release.

Get the Story:
Shell's Chukchi exploration plan wins federal approval (The Alaska Dispatch News 5/12)
Shell clears major US government hurdle for Arctic drilling (AP 5/12)
U.S. Will Allow Drilling for Oil in Arctic Ocean (The New York Times 5/12)

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Shell stops off-shore drilling in Alaska due to safety issues (9/18)
Shell sues Alaska Native opponent of off-shore development (3/5)
Alaska Natives challenge permit for offshore development (2/23)
Alaska Natives ask 9th Circuit to block off-shore drilling plans (9/30)
Alaska Natives criticize new analysis on drilling in Arctic Ocean (10/13)
DOI delays decision on off-shore drilling in Alaska (11/20)