The Shell oil company may begin drilling in the Arctic Ocean as soon as this summer if it passes government safety standards.
On Monday, the U.S. government approved Shell's plans to drill in the Arctic Ocean this summer, under strict conditions. If it passes a final set of regulatory tests, Shell will be the first company to drill in the Chukchi Sea.
Environmental groups responded with warnings of the possible repercussions. The U.S. government, however, stated that the oil company must pass several permit tests before it can drill. U.S. officials have called these tests "rigorous."
"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," said Abigail Harper Ross the director of the Interior Department's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
"As we move forward, any offshore exploratory activities will continue to be subject to rigorous safety standards."
Environmental organizations expressed their disappointment on Monday, citing previous oil-drilling disasters that destroyed habitats.
"Once again, our government has rushed to approve risky and ill-conceived exploration in one of the most remote and important places on Earth "¦ Shell's need to validate its poorly planned investment in the U.S. Arctic Ocean is not a good reason for the government to allow the company to put our ocean resources at risk. Shell has not shown that it is prepared to operate responsibly in the Arctic Ocean, and neither the company nor our government has been willing to fully and fairly evaluate the risks of Shell's proposal," said Susan Murray of the Oceana environmental group.
The Chukchi Sea is considered one of the most dangerous locations to drill. It's isolated location and frigid weather prevents a quick response in the event of an accident. The area is susceptible to high winds and high waves. There is no port for hundreds of miles.
The Obama administration, however, states that the current regulatory standards are strict and designed to prevent major oil spills, like those in the past.
