The view from above. Greenpeace USA photo

Last Monday, the Obama administration conditionally approved plans for the Royal Dutch Shell company to conduct exploratory drilling missions in the Chakchi Seas, a body of water north of Alaska. In 2013, the last time the Chuchki Seas where explored for drilling, a Royal Dutch Shell rig ran aground because of alleged blunders by both corporate management and barge operators. This, along with other incidents, forced Shell to suspend operations in the area three years ago. Now it looks they are set to return to the Chuchki Sea.

Defend the arctic! Greenpeace USA photo

The Port of Seattle commissioner leased a pier to Shell. This pier will operate as a home base for two oil rigs that will be sent to the arctic. The local environmental community was aghast over the decision to lease the pier, seeing the decision as a direct contradiction to the reputation of the city.

In response a coalition of self-proclaimed "activists, artist, and noisemakers" started the organization ShellNo. ShellNo's first event, the "Paddle in Seattle," consisted of thousands of canoeists, kayakers, and paddle boarders. They paddled down the Duwamish River, swarming the first of two oil rigs to be stored in Seattle, the Polar Pioneer.

Kayakers swarm the Polar Pioneer. Seattle Times photo

The dangers of drilling in the arctic are abhorrent. The Interior Department's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) released their Environmental Impact Statement for this project, reporting “a 75% chance of one or more large spills”. Based on statistical data at least "two large spills of crude, condensate, or refined oil are assumed to occur during the Development and Production phases" of drilling and exploration. With the environmental risks apparent and obvious, it is a refreshing to see this community rally to this cause.

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