Environmental groups that have been fighting for the end of offshore oil and gas development in B.C. are celebrating victory after the federal government announced the last remaining permits for Pacific Ocean exploration had voluntarily been surrendered.

Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said Wednesday that Chevron, the last corporation to hold the permits, had voluntarily relinquished them as of Feb. 9.

Jay Ritchlin, David Suzuki Foundation Director General of B.C., said he welcomed the news.

“I’ve been working on this for 20 years … Offshore oil and gas drilling doesn’t have a place in the future.”