The recent discovery of a 39-inch breach in the hull of one of Shell's ice-handling vessels is a vivid reminder of the extreme dangers of offshore drilling in one of the wildest and most remote places on Earth.
The U.S. Government's own analysis says there's a 75% chance of a large oil spill if oil companies develop and produce in Arctic waters.
Polar bears, bowhead whales, walruses and countless other marine species depend on the Arctic's waters for their survival.
Many residents of coastal communities in the region depend on a healthy ocean to support their way of life. Both people and wildlife are already coping with the stresses accompanying a rapidly changing climate, including rapid loss of summer sea ice. With all that's at stake in the Arctic, it is time to call a halt to Shell's risky Arctic drilling plans.
Take Action Now: Urge Secretary Jewell not to let Shell drill exploration wells in the Chukchi Sea.
Dear Secretary Jewell,
I urge you not to allow Shell to drill for oil in Chukchi Sea. The recent discovery of a breach in the hull of MSV Fennica is a stark reminder of the dangers of oil exploration in some of the world's most remote waters.
Shell has failed to demonstrate its ability to operate safely and responsibly in Arctic waters:
-- The company's 2012 Arctic drilling campaign was plagued with errors and poor judgment.
-- One of the company's two drillships, the Kulluk, snapped its moorings in a violent winter storm and ran aground.
-- The containment dome that Shell intended to use in the event of a blowout crumpled in testing.
-- A Coast Guard investigation cited multiple shortcomings and violations on a number of ships that compromised the safety of Shell's operations.
Chukchi Sea waters provide vital habitat for iconic wildlife such as walruses, ice-dependent seals, bowhead whales and migratory birds. Many residents of coastal communities in the region depend on a healthy ocean to support their way of life. Both people and wildlife are already coping with the stresses accompanying a rapidly changing climate, including rapid loss of summer sea ice. With all that's at stake in the Arctic, it is time to call a halt to Shell's risky Arctic drilling plans.
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