Nelson calls for investigation oil industry lobbying on safety regulations
by Michael C. Bender | May 3rd, 2010U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., is suggesting that the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon rig might history have been prevented by tougher regulations.
Here’s the letter today to the U.S. Interior Department’s inspector general:
Dear Inspector General Kendall:
In the wake of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, questions have arisen over Mineral Management Service (MMS) regulations regarding reliable back-up systems to cap underwater wells.
More specifically, MMS allowed oil rigs not to have audio control devices capable of remotely activating a wellhead’s blowout preventer. At least two other major countries that permit offshore drilling require rigs to carry such devices. Also, newly published accounts indicate regulators didn’t act on other concerns that oil-drilling safety equipment may not function in a deep-water environment.
In light of the recent events, I am asking you to review the process by which MMS reviewed and finalized 30 CFR §250.515 and all other regulations relevant to blowout preventers and well controls. I ask that you determine in your investigation the extent to which the oil and natural gas industry exercised influence in the agency’s rulemaking process.
Thank you in advance for your assistance. If you have any questions, please contact Susie Perez Quinn in my office at (202) 224-5274.
Sincerely,
Bill Nelson
Tags: Bill Nelson, oil spill
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May 3rd, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Mr Bill Nelson.
The only way the oil Insudtry could lobby and influence law is by people excatly LIKE YOU.
Congress did this and passed a law not requiring Blast protection on the wells that are common practice in other countries.
If anyone is fined or indicted or prosecuted.
IT SHOULD BE EVERY MEMBER OF CONGRESS THAT VOTED FOR THIS BILL>
They new what they were doing and di not give a d—
HOLD CONGRESS ACCOUNTABLE ONCE AND FOR ALLTIME
May 3rd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Senator Nelson,
Stop ‘talking’ and do something about the 27,000 space coast jobs that will be lost.
All this guy does is talk, no action.
He needs to go!
May 4th, 2010 at 12:27 am
IT SEEMS THAT WHEN BIG BUSINESS IS RUNNING THE COUNTRY …. SAFETY SUFFERS.