Shell's Decision to Halt Arctic Drilling Is Good News For Our Climate

WASHINGTON (September 28, 2015) — Royal Dutch Shell's decision to halt oil drilling in the Arctic, after its exploratory well failed to yield enough oil and gas to make its mission worth the tremendous risk and cost, is a watershed moment. The following is a statement from Franz Matzner, director of NRDC’s Beyond Oil Initiative:

"Shell's reversal in the Arctic is great news for our climate, the American people, the fragile Arctic Ocean and its iconic wildlife.

“This is also the latest evidence that there's a better way to fuel the future. We can’t lock in fossil fuel production that we do not need and worsens climate change.

“Instead of going to the ends of the Earth to develop more fossil fuels, we should choose clean, renewable energy from sources like the wind and sun. This protects our climate, our natural heritage and our children's health.

“Global leaders should embrace this moment and preserve the Arctic forever.”