US EPA gives Shell go-ahead on Chukchi Sea exploration

Offshore staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Shell has approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency for air permits that would allow it to proceed with exploration offshore Alaska in the Chukchi Sea, according to reports from Dow Jones. However, there are other regulatory and legal obstacles yet to be considered.

The air permits cover emissions from drilling and support vessels, but is subject to appeals to the EPA. While appeals must be made within 30 days of this ruling, there is no time limit on when the EPA appeals board must rule on an appeal petition.

The Dow Jones reports also notes that ConocoPhilips plans for the Beaufort Sea await release of new EPA emissions standards and that those standards may effectively prohibit operations in the area.

04/05/2010