The NewsRoom
Date: November 20, 2008
MMS
Responds to 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision
We were just
made aware of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision
and of course are disappointed by the ruling. We intend to review
the court’s ruling closely.
MMS completed an
extensive Environmental Assessment of the Shell exploration
proposal, supported by a 1596-page Environmental Impact Statement,
along with other environmental reviews. These extensively analyzed
potential impacts to wildlife, including the bowhead whale and
subsistence activities. We believe that MMS did conduct the required
“hard look” to see if an environmental impact statement was
necessary.
Over the past 30
years, MMS has funded nearly $300 million for environmental studies
concerning Alaska waters.
Since 2000, we
have had 30 – 40 active environmental studies each year offshore
Alaska, totaling over $45 million.
It’s important
that MMS continue to open areas for oil and gas exploration because
the world energy situation continues to be strained. Alaska and its
adjacent offshore areas have great potential for increasing our
energy security.
Contact:
Nicholas Pardi
(202) 208-3985
MMS: Securing Ocean Energy & Economic Value for America
U.S. Department of the Interior
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Last Updated:
11/20/2008,
05:27 PM
Central Time
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