"Allowing Shell to drill when it has no credible plan to cleanup an oil spill in the Arctic's icy waters, and instead simply assumes it can clean up 95 percent of oil spilled isn't just unrealistic, it's insulting and irresponsible," said Earthjustice attorney Holly Harris.

Earthjustice, on behalf of the Native Village of Point Hope, , Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Council, Oceana, Pacific Environment, Sierra Club, and seven other environmental organizations initiated litigation in the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals September 29th, 2011 challenging the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) decision to allow oil drilling in the Beaufort Sea.

"Approving Shell drilling in the Beaufort Sea is irresponsible and risks disaster. We have a right to life, to physical integrity, to security, and the right to enjoy the benefits of our culture. For this, we will fight, and this is why we have gone to court today," said Caroline Cannon, President of the Native Village of Point Hope.