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Email this pageOf all the places Earthjustice works to protect, few are as iconic and misunderstood as the Arctic. At best, it conjures images of a distant, icy land sparsely inhabited by polar bears and walruses—beautiful, but removed from our everyday lives. At worst, it's a frozen wasteland devoid of life but rich in oil, a place to exploit at will. But nothing could be further from the truth.
The Arctic is a thriving, diverse landscape filled with life. Here, caribou in the hundreds of thousands still embark on epic migrations across mighty rivers and coastal plains. And here, wetlands, lakes and oceans teem with life, supporting whales, polar bears, seals and waterfowl.
Take Action! A Call To Suspend Arctic Ocean Drilling
Despite the fact that Shell hasn't even started the riskiest part of its drilling operations, the company has made mistake after high-risk mistake. America can do better than risk environmental disaster by allowing the industry to explore for dirty oil from the Arctic Ocean. Make your voice heard today!
Cases: Current Related Litigation
Shell's Oil Spill Response Plans
Earthjustice is representing several clients to challenge the federal government's approval of Shell Oil's oil spill response plans for the Arctic Ocean. Earthjustice brought the challenge in the Alaska District Court in July 2012. The lawsuit focuses on two spill plans—the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas spill plans—but ultimately it addresses requirements that apply nationwide.
Case Details | Complaint | Press Release
Chemical Oil Dispersant Rulemaking
Earthjustice is representing a coalition of conservation, wildlife and public health groups in the Gulf region and in Alaska in a citizen suit under the provisions of the federal Clean Water Act to compel the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue a rule on chemical oil dispersants. EPA’s current rules—which during the 2010 Gulf oil disaster failed to ensure that dispersants would be used safely—do not fulfill the requirements mandated by the Clean Water Act. Currently, regulations dictating dispersants eligible for use in oil spills require minimal toxicity testing and no threshold for safety.
Trip's Columns: On the Arctic
Trip Van Noppen is the president of Earthjustice.
Many of Trip's monthly columns have covered the decades-long legal fight to protect the fragile Arctic ecosystem from the impacts of oil and gas development.
- July 13, 2012: Shell's Promise To Protect Arctic Lost At Sea
- Sept. 24, 2011: Preparing To Stop Shell's Latest Arctic Scheme
- Apr. 20, 2011: Threats of High-Risk Drilling Remain Year After Gulf Oil Spill
- Jan. 19, 2011: Oil Commission Warns Drillers To Slow Down and Wise Up
- More of Trip's Columns
Down to Earth: An Earthjustice Podcast
Down to Earth is an podcast series about the news, events and personalities of Earthjustice. Listen to two Arctic-related episodes:
Florian Schulz on Icy Adventures and Arctic Stressors
Acclaimed photographer Florian Schulz discusses his experiences in the rapidly changing Arctic.
On Thin Ice:
Ice Melt in the Arctic
As Arctic temperatures increase, research suggests that warmer waters could shift weather patterns elsewhere.
Arctic Campaign Ads
Earthjustice and a coalition of conservation groups launched an ad campaign in 2010, urging the White House to call a time-out to Arctic oil drilling.
Pushing the Pause Button...
A 30 second TV spot ran nationally on CNN and on additional stations in the D.C. area. About the ad.
Make a contribution
Your donation to Earthjustice helps us protect the Arctic's incredible wildlife and public lands. Make a pledge of support today!
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