CHUKCHI SEA -- The federal Environmental Protection Agency proposes to approve Shell's air-quality permit covering its plan to explore for oil and gas this summer in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska's Northwest coast, according to U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska.

Obtaining the permit is a key step remaining before the oil company can proceed with its plans to drill up to three wells. The EPA is taking public comment on its proposed permit through Feb. 17, Begich said. The EPA has tentatively scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 16 in Barrow that would be teleconferenced in Wainwright, Point Lay, Point Hope and Atqasuk, communities that could be affected by Chukchi oil and gas development.

The Interior Department approved Shell's exploration plan last month. The department estimates the Chukchi is rich in oil and gas, with somewhat less oil and more gas than the existing North Slope fields have held.

But coastal Natives are concerned that oil activity in Arctic waters might disrupt the movement of animals they need for subsistence food. Environmentalists say the industry is not equipped to clean up spills in icy waters.