The U.S. government Monday conditionally approved Royal Dutch Shell PLC’s plans to drill in the Arctic Ocean this summer, removing the biggest remaining obstacle before the company can explore for oil and natural gas in the Arctic’s frigid, isolated waters.

The announcement adds to a mix of decisions by the Obama administration that have restricted and granted new domestic fossil-fuel development.

Though affecting just one company, the approval is a victory for the oil-and-gas industry, which has criticized recent regulations affecting the sector, including tougher requirements on hydraulic fracturing and trains hauling flammable oil. Monday’s approval is tied to regulations proposed by the government in February for Arctic drilling operations off the coast of Alaska that could pave the way for additional companies exploring in the region.

Numerous environmental groups are opposed to drilling in the Arctic and criticized the administration for advancing Shell’s plan.

Shell has been pursuing drilling in the Arctic Ocean since 2007. A 2012 drilling attempt faltered amid bad weather and mechanical failures, leading to an agreement between Shell and the government for future drilling to take place with tighter restrictions.