Shell says it lacks `` a clear path forward '' for drilling off Alaska . `` The lack of a clear path forward and an associated timeline makes it impossible to commit the resources needed to explore safely in 2014 , '' Shell spokesman Curtis Smith said . A court ruling last week set back the project . The U.S. government has been trying to get approval from Congress and President Barack Obama since 2009, but so far no deal is in place. Environmentalists cheered Thursday 's ruling .
Shell says it lacks `` a clear path forward '' for drilling off Alaska . A court ruling last week set back the project . The U.S. government has been trying to get approval from Congress and President Barack Obama since 2009, but so far no deal is in place. Environmentalists cheered Thursday 's ruling .