ADN and AP.  Shell Oil Co. has secured another air permit necessary to proceed with oil and gas Curtis Smith by Dave Harbour, Shell Oil, Chukchi, Beaufort Sea, EPA Air Quality Permit, BOEMREexploration plans in the Alaska Arctic.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Friday that it had issued an air permit for emissions from Shell’s exploration activities in the Beaufort Sea. Shell plans to begin drilling in the region as early as July. The permit applies to Shell’s Kulluk drill rig and support fleet.  Last month, the agency approved air permits for Shell’s Discoverer drillship and related fleet, which the company plans to use in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas.  Shellspokesman Curtis Smith (NGP Photo) called the EPA decision a positive milestone but noted it was another step in the process. Shell still must secure other authorizations and permits, including approval of an oil spill response plan.

Gaddafi’s last words….

Oilpatch bomber Wiebo Ludwig says he has cancer, Montreal Gazette