Topic: Chukchi Sea

Shell halts Arctic oil drilling in 2013

Royal Dutch Shell PLC announced Wednesday it would suspend drilling for oil in the Arctic Ocean in 2013. Shell has experienced several setbacks this winter in its Arctic oil drilling plans.

EPA cites Shell for air pollution in Arctic drilling

The EPA announced Thursday that it issued Shell notices of air quality violations during its shortened Arctic drilling season. Shell has worked for years with the EPA on its air permit to operate in the Arctic.

Arctic ice shrinks to record low (+video)

Arctic sea ice has shrunk to the lowest levels since record-keeping began in 1979. Scientists say the new measurements indicate a fundamental change in the Arctic's sea ice coverage.  

Arctic drilling: US setting policy to protect environment, indigenous people

With receding sea ice allowing energy exploration in the Arctic, the US is set to unveil a five-year leasing plan that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of the drilling.

Beneath Arctic ice, scientists find an ecosystem never imagined (+video)

Scientists report finding a massive bloom of phytoplankton hidden under Arctic ice, suggesting that, as the ice thins and melts, the region is becoming vastly more biologically productive. 

Opinion: Drilling for oil in Arctic Ocean is fraught with danger

This month the US approved four wells for drilling by Shell Oil in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska, an energy frontier. But Shell's plan to recover after an oil spill is completely inadequate, given the region's remoteness and weather.

If Republican Lisa Murkowski wins in Alaska, will her politics change?

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) of Alaska is likely to hew to her more centrist roots, analyst say, if she becomes the official winner of the race. State officials start counting write-in ballots Wednesday.

Arctic sea ice at lowest point in thousands of years

Warming at the North Pole caused by the buildup of atmospheric greenhouse gases has reduced the ice that normally covers the Arctic Ocean at its lowest point in a few thousand years, a new study suggests.

As BP oil spill fight continues, more areas closed to the public

As efforts continue to stop the flow from the BP oil spill, areas used for recreation and fishing are being closed to public access. It's a blow to recreational and commercial fishing businesses.

Alaska oil's new 'Gulf of Mexico'

Oil companies are eyeing Alaska's largely untapped outer continental shelf. Critics say that's another Exxon Valdez waiting to happen.

North pole ice cap now an island

For the first time in recorded human history, the Arctic is completely surrounded by open water, new satellite images reveal.

Alaska: Climate-change frontier

Melting glaciers, drier wetlands, warmer winters in Alaska, where global warming is felt most keenly.

Polar bears spotted swimming in open seas

Government scientists patrolling the skies off Alaska's northwest coast say they observed nine polar bears swimming in open water, prompting some environmentalists to raise concerns about the species' survival in a warming world.

What polar bears get from new protected status

A recovery plan is ensured. But US includes caveats to safeguard oil and gas drilling.

US lists polar bears as threatened

Wednesday’s designation is the first to list a species due to global warming threats.

Polar bear habitat at center of Alaska drilling debate

One lawsuit aims to halt Wednesday's lease sales in the Chukchi Sea. Another would contest any listing of the polar bear as 'threatened.'

Polar bear habitat at center of Alaska drilling debate

One lawsuit aims to halt Wednesday's lease sales in the Chukchi Sea. Another would contest any listing of the polar bear as 'threatened.'

Climate worries complicate Alaska drilling plan

Lease sales could produce 15 billion barrels of oil, but environmentalists say drilling would threaten already melting habitat.

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