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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Jonathon Berman, (202) 495-3033, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org

Repsol Oil Follows Shell's Lead and Abandons Drilling Operations in the Chukchi Sea

Yesterday, it was revealed that Repsol Oil has followed Shell Oil's lead and relinquished its leases in the Arctic's Chukchi Sea. Of all the leases purchased as a part of the last Chukchi Lease Sale (Sale 193) only one remains--the well Shell abandoned in 2015.

In response, Director of Sierra Club's Arctic Operations Dan Ritzman released the following statement:

WASHINGTON

Yesterday, it was revealed that Repsol Oil has followed Shell Oil's lead and relinquished its leases in the Arctic's Chukchi Sea. Of all the leases purchased as a part of the last Chukchi Lease Sale (Sale 193) only one remains--the well Shell abandoned in 2015.

In response, Director of Sierra Club's Arctic Operations Dan Ritzman released the following statement:

"Today's revelation shows that not only is drilling in the Arctic too dangerous for our climate and our environment, but oil companies don't even want to explore there.

"Arctic communities and hundreds of thousands of activists across the country loudly decried Shell when it attempted to drill last year. These communities and activists have continued their calls to protect the Arctic Ocean by calling on President Obama to remove it from the five year offshore drilling plan.

"It's time the Obama Administration listens to the Arctic communities, climate and environmental activists, and the oil companies and protects the Arctic Ocean from the threat of offshore drilling."

The Sierra Club is the most enduring and influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. We amplify the power of our 3.8 million members and supporters to defend everyone's right to a healthy world.

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