After a tour of a Shell drilling rig in Seattle, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker said oil is the lifeblood of the state’s economy and arctic drilling “will happen.” Walker toured the Polar Pioneer drilling rig parked at the Port of Seattle before meeting with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee to discuss Shell’s plans for the arctic waters off the Alaskan coast. “Responsible offshore drilling in the Arctic will have significant economic impacts in Alaska, and I am encouraged by the advancements I saw today,” Walker said in a statement. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray expressed opposition to Shell’s lease for a port terminal for use for its drilling plans offshore Alaska. With federal approval in hand, Shell said it may start its drilling campaign […]