Obama to extend drilling moratorium as BP waits for news of "top kill"
Top news: BP officials say they may know today whether their latest attempt to stop the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was successful. As part of the procedure known as "top kill," drilling mud is being applied to the gushing well at a rate 65 barrels per minute.
White House aides say that President Obama will announce a six-month extension on the moratorium on offshore drilling today, to allow an independent presidential commission to continue its investigation of the incident. Offshore drilling had been a key component of Obama's proposed energy policy, meant to attract Republican votes. Obama is also expected to discuss other recommendations from a 30-day review he ordered shortly after the Deepwater Horizon rig sank.
The New York Times reports today that shortly before the explosion at the rig, BP had chosen, partly for financial reason, a type of casing for the well that was less secure than another option. Leaks through the cement casing, installed by contractor Halliburton, are believed to have caused the explosion.
Washington: The Obama administration released its first National Security Strategy, which argues for expanding the nation's security focus beyond counterterrorism.
White House aides say that President Obama will announce a six-month extension on the moratorium on offshore drilling today, to allow an independent presidential commission to continue its investigation of the incident. Offshore drilling had been a key component of Obama's proposed energy policy, meant to attract Republican votes. Obama is also expected to discuss other recommendations from a 30-day review he ordered shortly after the Deepwater Horizon rig sank.
The New York Times reports today that shortly before the explosion at the rig, BP had chosen, partly for financial reason, a type of casing for the well that was less secure than another option. Leaks through the cement casing, installed by contractor Halliburton, are believed to have caused the explosion.
Washington: The Obama administration released its first National Security Strategy, which argues for expanding the nation's security focus beyond counterterrorism.
Americas
Middle East
Europe
-By Joshua Keating |
Win McNamee/Getty Images
No comments:
Post a Comment