Greenpeace Targets Arco Arctic Drilling Rig

A federal judge rejected a bid by the environmental group Greenpeace to stop a rig belonging to oil giant Atlantic Richfield Co. from drilling for oil just off Alaska’s northern coast. While the court hearing was being held in Los Angeles, a Greenpeace ship blocked the rig, the MV Arctic Sunrise, from moving from its position about three miles off the coast near the giant Prudhoe Bay oil field to a new drilling area in the Beaufort Sea. A Greenpeace spokesman at the scene said by telephone that about 35 protesters were aboard the blocking vessel along with several smaller rafts. U.S. District Judge Ronald Lew refused to issue a restraining order sought by Greenpeace against Los Angeles-based Arco. He said, “Arco’s hardship--the potential loss of its leases--greatly outweighs the harm Greenpeace claims.” Greenpeace spokeswoman Kalee Kreider said in Washington, “When push comes to shove, Arco’s profit is more important than damage to the environment.” She said the protesters were willing to stay in the area through Aug. 31, which would mark the beginning of the whaling season when she claimed federal law would prohibit the rig from going to its new destination.