Offshore Oil Drilling

Alberta Oil Sands

Shell Gives Another Early Christmas Gift to Environmentalists

Shell Oil surprised the environmental community in September by announcing an end to Arctic drilling. What could come next? Shell is abandoning plans for the Carmon Creek oil-sands project in Alberta and taking a $2 billion write-down.

November 2, 2015 - Bloomberg News

$7 Billion Later, Shell to Withdraw from Arctic Oil Drilling

Environmentalists could have saved themselves a lot of demonstrating had they known that Shell Oil would pack up their drilling rigs after only six weeks of exploratory drilling in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska. Insufficient oil and other reasons cited.

September 29, 2015 - Reuters

Local Opposition Growing to Atlantic Coast Drilling Plans

Back in January 2015, the Obama Administration pitched a proposal to allow offshore oil exploration along the Atlantic Coast. As more local stakeholders reveal their verdicts on the idea, some are finding reason to oppose.

May 9, 2015 - The Virginian-Pilot

Arctic Drilling: From Improbable To Inevitable

Shell Oil's seven-year, $4 billion investment has paid off. Awaiting final Interior Dept. permits, two drilling ships, moored in Seattle, are poised to travel to the Arctic to begin drilling test wells in 150 ft of water off northern Alaska in July.

May 28, 2012 - The New York Times - Environment

Obama: Drill, Baby, Drill

President Barack Obama has lifted a ban on drilling for oil off the coast of the eastern U.S. Critics say the move won't meet the stated goal of achieving energy independence, while proponents say this is only the first step that needs to be taken.

April 1, 2010 - The New York Times

Could Retired Oil Rigs Become Luxury Resorts?

Morris Architects seems to think so, taking first prize in a contest for hospitality design with their proposal to turn Gulf of Mexico drilling platforms into vacation destinations.

February 20, 2009 - Curbed LA

Did Enviros Misjudge The Effect Of High Gas Prices?

The public has relegated global warming well behind other issues, including high energy prices. This article examines the role of environmental groups in this backslide as the public warms to more drilling to reduce gas prices.

August 12, 2008 - Politico

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

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