In Seattle, 'kayaktivists' take on Arctic oil drilling

SEATTLE (AP) — Royal Dutch Shell wants to park two massive Arctic oil drilling rigs in Seattle's waterfront.

But the petroleum giant will have to get around protesters in kayaks and a mayor determined to take on climate change.

The fast-approaching battle with so-called kayaktivists is unfolding in a city well known for embracing progressive causes.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray took up the banner this week during a clean-energy group's breakfast. He announced that the Port of Seattle, a public agency that operates one of the nation's busiest seaports, must get a new permit before it could host Shell's drilling fleet. That could thwart the company's plans here.

The mayor urged the port to reconsider its two-year, $13 million lease with Foss Maritime, whose client is Shell.