Washington (CNN) The Obama administration, citing "rigorous safety standards" and a long review process, has granted conditional approval to energy giant Shell to begin oil drilling in the Arctic waters off the coast of Alaska.

The Interior Department wrote in a statement that Shell could begin drilling in the Chukchi Sea once several environmental conditions are met, including a sign-off from agencies assessing the impact on endangered species. State agencies must also approve the plan.

The move has upset environmental activists who are concerned the drilling will have detrimental effects.

Shell, if it obtains the remaining permits, would be the only company drilling in the federal waters in the Arctic.

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