There was great publicity around Shell Oil’s mobile drilling rig that passed through Seattle on its way to Alaska. Now, just a few months later, Shell has announced that they didn’t find enough to make it profitable. It could look like a lot of money spent in only a few months, but the search had been going on for eight years. Shell wasn’t only influenced by money. Government regulations, environmental organizations, previous corporate collaborations, and general public opinion were all working against off-shore drilling. The collection of voices weren’t just voices, because their collection of influences ultimately, indirectly did influence Shell’s probability of making money. Environmentalists can claim a victory. Shell will probably find a new place to explore, or new uses for the equipment.
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