Wicker – Deepwater drilling suspension further devastates gulf residents

Wicker: Deepwater drilling suspension further devastates gulf residents

WASHINGTON, DC (WLOX/AP) – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker said Monday that the Obama Administration’s decision to halt deepwater drilling “is yet another blow to the Gulf Coast.”

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar made the announcement Monday, arguing that a pause is still needed to ensure that oil and gas companies implement safety measures to reduce risks – and are prepared to handle spills.

The new moratorium will last through Nov. 30. Unlike the last moratorium, which applied to waters of more than 500 feet, the new one applies to any deep-water floating facility with drilling activities.

AP
7/12/10