Exploration for offshore oil in the Arctic is supported by the Obama administration as a prag matic approach that aims for a balance between economic development and environmental protection, an administration special envoy said Aug. 18. Robert Papp, the U.S. State Department special representative for the Arctic, told an audience at the Heritage Foundation that as long as Arctic maritime development occurs in a safe and responsible manner, it is a good idea to spread the benefits of prosperity in Arctic regions. Royal Dutch Shell Plc is exploring for oil in the Chukchi Sea north of Alaska. "I think they are as prepared as they can be," Papp said of the Shell team.
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