NOIA Praises Interior’s Approval for Arctic Exploration

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 17, 2015
Contact:  Nicolette Nye, (202) 465-8463, nicolette@nullnoia.org

NOIA Praises Interior’s Approval for Arctic Exploration

 Washington, D.C. – NOIA President Randall Luthi today issued the following approval of Shell’s revised Application to Drill in the Chukchi Sea:

 “Secretary Jewell and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement are to be commended for the logical decision allowing Shell to proceed with exploratory drilling in the Chukchi Sea.  Other nations are pursuing their offshore Arctic oil and natural gas programs, and as Chair of the Arctic Council, the U.S. should be leading the way.

“Shell has done everything asked and more to set up for this short drilling season – with no guarantee of success.  Shell has stationed safety and support equipment on site, with the approval of Federal regulators.

“Many agree that there is huge potential for oil and natural gas in the Arctic, but the only way to prove such resources exist is to actually explore.  It is time to move forward so that Alaskans can benefit from increased economic and energy development off their shores, and the U.S. can reap the rewards of increased energy security.”

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ABOUT NOIA

NOIA is the only national trade association representing all segments of the offshore industry with an interest in the exploration and production of both traditional and renewable energy resources on the nation’s outer continental shelf.  NOIA’s mission is to secure reliable access and a fair regulatory and economic environment for the companies that develop the nation’s valuable offshore energy resources in an environmentally responsible manner. The NOIA membership comprises more than 325 companies engaged in business activities ranging from producing to drilling, engineering to marine and air transport, offshore construction to equipment manufacture and supply, telecommunications to finance and insurance, and renewable energy.