Requests Made to Expand Investigations Beyond Transocean Rig Explosion

Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla, has made a request to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to take investigations beyond the Transocean rig explosion to a study that would encompass all drilling accidents in the United States that occured within the past decade.  He also asked for an investigation from the Senate Commerce Committee, which overseas the Coast Guard and the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.

“The Louisiana accident brings into question the industry’s claims about safety and advanced technology.  We need to be asking a lot more tough questions of Big Oil,” said Nelson.

Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, stated that there would be some people within the Department of the Interior and Congress who will attempt to exploit the tragedy.  He went on to say, “but I hope they recognize whether it’s coal miners who have lost their lives or drillers, they won’t capitalize on the lives of people who were just trying to earn a living.”

Robert Gibbs, the White House spokesman, said that the Transocean rig explosion should not stop plans for an offshore drilling expansion.  He said on Friday, April 23, 2010, that President Barack Obama still feels that the country needs to increase domestic production of oil and natural gas.

“In all honesty I doubt this is the first accident that has happened and I doubt it will be the last,” said Gibbs.