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January 24, 2014

Appeals Court Rules Against Oil Drilling in Chukcki Sea 
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A federal appeals court has sided with a challenge to oil drilling off
Alaska's northwest coast. A coalition of native and environmental groups
had objected to the U.S. government's authorization of oil and gas
projects in the Chukchi Sea, warning of threats to sea life and
contamination of the ocean. In a ruling this week, the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the 9th Circuit said the government performed an inadequate
assessment of the potential environmental impact that used only the
"best case scenario." The ruling could jeopardize the oil giant Shell's
plan to resume drilling operations in the Arctic this summer. Shell
previously suspended its after a series of mishaps. In a joint
statement, the plaintiffs in the case called the ruling "a victory for
the Arctic Ocean," adding: "We should not have to depend on courts to
protect our oceans. President Obama must now take seriously his
obligation to re-think whether and under what conditions to allow risky
industrial activities in the Chukchi Sea."

 

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