US to stop drilling in the Arctic

So far Shell protests by environmental activists because of their activities in the Arctic. (Getty)

The United States government decided to stop drilling for oil and gas in Arctic waters off the north coast of Alaska.



The interior ministry announced the decision after the US energy giant Royal Dutch Shell said they would suspend their controversial exploration in the area for an undetermined period of time.

The company stated they do not find oil and gas reserves sufficient for their drilling activities remain to be implemented.

During this time the group Environmentalists have warned of industrial activity in the area could be harmful to marine mammals there.

Marine mammals in the Arctic and Alaska have experienced many problems with partial melting of ice sheets in the Arctic Ocean.

Royal Dutch Shell has spent US $ 7miliar for exploration in the Arctic. (AP)

Royal Dutch Shell, as reported by AP news agency has spent US$ 7 billion for exploration in the waters of the Chukchi and Beaufort Sea in the Arctic.

They stated in the Chukchi disappointing results, while permitting the government for the Beaufort region is uncertain.

US Homeland Security Secretary Sally Jewell said the federal government canceled the regulations in this area, which if it were scheduled for 2016 and 2017.

Campaigners welcomed this decision. Greenpeace, as reported by AFP, said the announcement was "great news for the Arctic" and urged his supporters to thank Obama for "taking steps to protect the Arctic and climate of our planet." (bbc)