1. How much time and money has Shell Oil Company spent on plans to explore for oil off the northern coast of Alaska?

2. What ruling did the EPA appeals board make that has caused Shell to end plans to drill for oil this summer in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas?

3. a) Three environmental groups challenged Shell's application for air permits needed for the offshore drilling. What argument did the groups use to challenge Shell, according to their attorney Eric Grafe?
b) Do you think the EPA's appeals board was being unreasonable, or did they make the right decision about Shell's application? Explain your answer.

4. How much oil is estimated to be in the area of ocean Shell wanted to drill in, according to the U.S. Geological Survey?

5. Why are air permits for the Gulf of Mexico easier to obtain?

6. The EPA appeals board consists of 4 members who control whether oil can be extracted from U.S. waters off Alaska's coast. The board of 4 that turned down Shell's application is made up of all Democrats, one of whom was an activist attorney for the Environmental Defense Fund. The majority of Democrats oppose drilling for oil. The majority of Republicans support drilling for oil. It is believed that President Obama wants to force Americans to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal).  Skyrocketing gas prices will force many Americans to drive less. Whether you support or oppose the use of fossil fuels, we need affordable energy to power our cars and homes, computers, phones, etc. 

Visit the websites under "Resources" below. Then read about U.S. consumption of oil at the U.S. government's Energy Information Administration website at eia.doe.gov/tools/faqs.  Based on this information, and the rising price of gas, do you think it is better for the U.S. to drill for oil, or to reduce our use of fossil fuels by driving less (walking, biking, or taking public transportation to work) and by using less heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, etc.? Explain your answer.

7. Ask a parent to read and answer question #6. Compare your answers.