Shell Offshore Inc. received approval yesterday from the Minerals Management Services to drill exploratory wells next year in the Beaufort Sea. While the company and supporters of offshore drilling are happy with the decision, environmental groups are saying that the decision to allow the two leases ignores the threat to both the Arctic environment and Arctic wildlife. The Minerals Management Service says that Shell has to meet certain conditions, honoring the federal air and water quality rules and the marine mammal protection requirements. more »