State Questions Whether Shell Rig Violates Constitution

Posted

SEATTLE (AP) — There are new developments in the oil battle in Seattle.

KING TV reports (http://is.gd/hqEvCg ) that Shell Oil is challenging the state's opinion that docking the Polar Pioneer drilling rig in Seattle might violate the state constitution.

There's also a new legal challenge to prevent Shell from drilling in the Arctic this summer.

Last month, the state Department of Natural Resources sent Shell a letter saying the waterway where the Polar Pioneer rig is docked is for navigation, not long-term moorage.



DNR asked Shell to explain how long its equipment will be there and whether it's coming back. Shell's response said ships will there through June and return in the fall.

Shell says it doesn't need additional state authorization since those "activities are . typical of operations that occur at port facilities."

DNR says they are considering Shell's response and how to proceed under the state constitution.