Nature Update

OK to drill in Arctic Waters

Environmentalists have taken at hit this week as the US gave the OK for drilling in their Arctic waters. “Targeted leasing” will be used in order to protect the native ecosystem.  Environmentalists are opposed to the drilling due to polar bears, walruses, whales, and seals depend on this delicate system for their survival. 

The Alaska Wilderness League has implied that there is no viable way to clean up oil spilled into the Arctic Ocean due to remoteness and harsh weather conditions. Shell will have to conduct business with close oversight and rigorous safety standards…the toughest in the United States history.

Shell will begin exploratory drilling this summer after they receive the final permits.   

Epic Fires

In the last report the Waldo Canyon fire has doubled in size forcing 32,000 people to flee.  Colorado Springs Fire Chief Rich Brown called the Waldo Canyon Fire a "monster event…not even remotely close to being contained."

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Colorado is battling 12 large fires, its worst fire season in history.