Results of audit remain under wraps as activists warn lack of transparency prevents informed public response and could have dire consequences
The Obama administration’s process for giving Shell the go-ahead for restarting its drilling in the Arctic lacked transparency and prevented an informed public response, environmental groups have warned.
The results of a third-party audit required by the US government before Royal Dutch Shell be allowed back into the US Arctic remain under wraps, and the third-party auditor – supposedly taken on to provide better oversight – was selected and paid for by Shell, the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement confirmed.
Related: Letting Shell drill in Arctic could lead to catastrophic oil spill, experts warn