News and Media Releases

Oil sands protest ends peacefully

16 Sep 2009

(Fort McMurray, Alberta) – The Greenpeace protest at Shell’s Muskeg River Mine has ended peacefully with the activists departing at about 4:00 p.m. (MT). The mine continues to operate at full production with no business disruption.

A full audit of security procedures and processes is underway. Meanwhile security has been significantly increased.

 “Shell has negotiated a safe resolution to the Greenpeace protest and they have left the mine,” said John Abbott, Shell’s Executive Vice President of Heavy Oil. “We hope in the future Greenpeace pursues opportunities for open dialogue and civil protest versus these types of illegal actions.”

“Shell has agreed not to pursue criminal charges against the protestors because it does nothing to further the climate change conversation. We rely on democratic processes to determine Canadian CO₂ policy and other important matters,” he said.

“We invited Greenpeace to discuss their climate and energy views with us directly but they chose not to do so, which is disappointing.”

Shell advocates for cap and trade emissions policies in Canada and around the world.

“Current and emerging regulations will drive us to reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from oil sands production to a level on par with competing crude oil alternatives,” Abbott said. “That’s our goal.”

Recent independent studies show that fuel from oil sands today only produces 5% to 15% more CO2 than conventional fuel - when measured from “well-to-wheel.”¹ No one is working harder than Shell to close that gap.

Shell’s proposed Scotford Quest project would capture up to 1.1 million tonnes of CO₂ each year, which is equivalent to taking 175,000 North American vehicles off the road.²

“Thanks to the staff at Shell Albian Sands for maintaining a safe and productive work environment,” said Abbott.

More information on Shell’s oil sands business is available at www.shell.ca/oilsands.

For more information contact:

+1 403 691 3198

¹See: Council on Foreign Relations, Center for Geoeconomic studies, Michael A. Levi, The Canadian Oil Sands, Energy Security vs. Climate Change, Council Special Report, No. 47, May 2009; TIAX LLC and MathPro Inc. for Alberta Energy Research Institute, Comparison of North American and Imported Crude Oil Lifecycle GHG emissions, July 6, 2009; Jacobs Consultancy for Alberta Energy Research Institute, Life Cycle Assessment Comparison of North American and Imported Crudes, July 2009.
²According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, annual emissions per U.S. vehicle (passenger cars + light trucks) = 6.305 kg (13.900 pounds). 1.1 mln tonnes / 6.305 kg = 174,464 cars.