President Obama has put offshore drilling in the arctic on hold. He announced his decision at a White House press conference today. Obama’s decisions were prompted by a report delivered to the White House today by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, outlining the safety and environmental issues of offshore drilling.
The move blocks Shell from its plans to drill exploratory wells in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas this summer. The moratorium is expected to last until next year.
The president says the step is necessary in light of last month’s oil drilling rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC
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