Murkowski Congratulates Shell on Receiving Air Permit
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today welcomed the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow Shell to explore for oil and natural gas in the Chukchi Sea this summer.
"The EPA made the right decision for Alaska and the country," Murkowski said. "This decision will allow Shell to move forward with exploration vital to our energy security. Given the president's recent support for increased offshore drilling, this decision truly drives home the point that we can develop our resources responsibly."
The EPA-approved air permit will allow Shell to conduct exploration work in the Chukchi on leases the company obtained in lease sale 193 in 2008.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates the Chukchi Sea holds an average of recoverable reserves of 15 billion barrels of oil and 77 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
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