News that Shell Oil received a “conditional exploration permit” to drill in an Arctic sea has environmentalist groups up in arms — and apparently headed to the courts, where their lawsuits could amount to what Shell has called a “backdoor moratorium.”

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said “we are being careful and we are being thoughtful,” regarding Shell’s plans, adding that “the triggers will be pulled only when we are confident that it can be done in a safe and secure manner.”