Three lawsuits are pending, and Shell could encounter additional legal challenges if it receives key permits from federal regulators it still needs this spring.
Here's a round-up of the litigation:
• Several North Slope villages and environmental groups filed a lawsuit to overturn the 2007-2012 oil and gas leasing plan approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior during the Bush administration. A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled that the plan's environmental analysis was flawed and must be redone. The Obama administration is collecting public comment on the revised plan, unveiled Wednesday, for 30 days before finalizing it and sending it to the court for approval or rejection.
• Many of the same villages and groups are contesting the 2008 federal lease sale that awarded leases in the Chukchi. That case is still pending in federal district court in Anchorage.
• Similar groups are also challenging Shell's exploration plans for the Beaufort and Chukchi this summer. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to rule before the summer.
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