Environmental -- 2016



Alaska Wilderness League v. Jewell   (9th Circuit)

Validity of BOEM permit for exploratory drilling in Chukchi Sea

The NAM filed an amicus brief supporting oil and gas exploratory drilling that complied with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Environmental groups challenged the issuance of a permit by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) allowing exploratory drilling by Shell in Alaska. This case is important because attempts to prevent oil and gas exploration significantly impact access to energy sources and stifle job growth. The NAM’s brief argued that the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act was specifically designed to expedite OCS exploration and development and that BOEM properly approved Shell's revised exploration plan pursuant to NEPA. Shell terminated its exploratory efforts, and the court granted the parties' request to dismiss the case as moot.


Related Documents:
NAM brief  (September 25, 2015)