"From what you can tell..." says to me that you have likely not traveled to the area. I was there yesterday. Those people are struggling and need jobs.

It is widely known that Shell pulled out of the Chukchi last year after Obama met with the President of Shell USA at the Hotel Captain Cook. Shell was told not to even bother finishing their well because this action would take place and no further development permits would be granted. They never finished their well at Burger and pulled out in a matter of days.