Obama Takes Control of Arctic's Future Away from Oil Companies

Administration puts offshore drilling near critical polar bear habitat on hold

President Obama is expected to announce today that he is putting on hold the controversial decision to allow Shell Oil to drill exploratory wells in America's pristine Arctic Ocean.

"I applaud President Obama for stepping in and taking control of the Arctic's future away from the oil companies," said Larry Schweiger, National Wildlife Federation President and CEO. "We can't let the oil companies rush in and drill in the Arctic Ocean when their web of lies puts the web of life at risk."

The announcement comes as the BP oil spill is declared the worst oil spill in the nation's history. Experts argue that an accident by Shell in the Arctic Ocean could be even worse, putting the the region’s fragile wildlife and ecosystems at risk. There is currently no proven method for cleaning up a spill on the Artctic's sea ice and frigid waters.

"The Arctic is a vibrant ecosystem and waypoint for many of the world's migrating birds and marine life," said Schweiger. "We must learn from the BP spill and throw away the blinders that got us here. What is ultimately needed are new long-term protections for America's Arctic lands and waters."