Gov. Welcomes Decision Allowing Chukchi Work

Statement

Governor Sean Parnell today welcomed the news that the Department of the Interior will allow Shell to conduct preparatory work in the Chukchi Sea prior to having the Arctic containment system certified.

"Today's news enables Shell to advance efforts, even in a short drilling season," Governor Parnell said. "This takes us one step closer to long-awaited exploration. Projects such as these help us toward our goal of shipping one million barrels a day through our world-class pipeline. Preparation has long been under way and has already put thousands to work in nine states, while yielding billions of dollars to our federal treasury and regional economies -- all before drilling the first well. Arctic exploration not only drives economic development, but it also lessens our dependence on unstable regions of the world."

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