Royal Dutch Shell's announcement that it wouldn't drill in 2014 is the latest twist in the oil giant's long history in Alaska. Here are some recent developments:
• March 2005: Shell dominates a federal offshore oil lease sale for the Beaufort Sea with $44 million in winning bids.
• February 2008: Shell is top player in federal offshore lease sale for the Chukchi Sea with almost $2.2 billion in winning bids, returning to an area it relinquished in 1996.
• January 2008: Environmental and Native coalition challenge the federal government's decision to allow a Chukchi lease sale in court. Federal judge rules the government had failed to follow environmental laws. Additional environmental review is done.
• October 2011: Obama administration decides the leases can stand. Coalition later appeals.
• July 2012: Shell's Noble Discoverer drilling ship drags anchor in Dutch Harbor.
• August 2012: Obama administration approves Shell drilling but not into oil-rich zones because its novel oil-spill containment system isn't ready.
• September 2012: Oil-spill containment dome is "crushed like a beer can" during testing in Puget Sound.
• September 2012: Shell begins drilling into the seafloor above its Burger prospect in the Chukchi Sea.
• Dec. 31, 2012: Shell's Kulluk drilling rig grounds offshore south of Kodiak Island after repeatedly losing its tow line during a fierce Gulf of Alaska storm.
• February 2013: Shell announces it will pause drilling in 2013.
• March 2013: Coast Guard asks the Justice Department to investigate possible pollution violations by both drilling rigs used in the Alaska Arctic.
• November 2013: Environmental Protection Agency fines Royal Dutch Shell $1.1 million for air pollution violations during the 2012 drilling season.
• Jan. 22: Federal appeals court rules for environmental and Native groups and finds the federal government underestimated the amount of oil production that could result from the 2008 Chukchi lease sale.
• Jan. 30: Shell announces it won't attempt to drill in 2014 because of court decision.
Anchorage Daily News