WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Obama Administration gave final approval allowing Shell to begin drilling for oil in the Arctic Ocean. In response, LCV President Gene Karpinski issued the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed that the Administration has given Shell final permission to drill for oil in the Arctic, a move at odds with President Obama’s otherwise strong leadership combating climate change and expanding our clean energy sectors. Shell, or any other oil company, cannot be trusted to safely operate in a remote, unforgiving, and pristine environment like the Arctic Ocean.  We should be investing in the future of clean energy instead of risking a disastrous oil spill in the Arctic and contributing to climate change.”

###