Phil Noble/Reuters
President Barack Obama's administration approved Shell's request to drill for oil and gas in the Arctic under certain conditions on Monday, signaling a blow to environmental efforts to prevent more offshore drilling in the region. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management gave Shell permission to explore the Chukchi Sea, but only if the firm receives the required state and federal permits from agencies that regulate the environment and marine mammal health. The White House had initially granted Shell permission to drill in 2012, but a series of mishaps with its two rigs derailed plans, and the company was not allowed to drill until all safety issues had been addressed. Operations are slated to begin this summer as long as permits are obtained, said Shell spokesman Curtis Smith.