GULF OIL DISASTER

BP's Relief Well Effort Delayed by U.S. Concerns Over Risk of Oil Release

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-15/bp-s-relief-well-effort-delayed-by-u-s-concerns-over-risk-of-oil-release.html

“BP determined that 1,000 barrels of oil remain trapped in the well after cement was pumped in from the top earlier this month. Now U.S. officials fear some of that could be released, or new leaks may form, when the company pumps in more mud and cement into the bottom of the well for the final plug. The London-based company will probably need until Aug. 17 to come up with a plan for the so-called bottom kill that won’t result in an uncontrolled release of crude, National Incident Commander Thad Allen said during a conference call with reporters yesterday.”

Gulf Driller to Light up Cigar After Job Is Done

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gIXWYBTpLtSayJtg41LKXpxSxVPAD9HK6KFO0

With BP spill under control, US looks at drill ban

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iM1T8GtiBLmkcVfhDRmNAtfeJmJwD9HJFFBG3

“Now that the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history has effectively been stopped, the White House is considering an early end to its moratorium on deepwater drilling.”

Categorical Exclusions for Gulf Offshore Activity to be Limited While Interior Reviews NEPA Process and Develops Revised Policy

http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Categorical-Exclusions-for-Gulf-Offshore-Activity-to-be-Limited-While-Interior-Reviews-NEPA-Process-and-Develops-Revised-Policy.cfm

BP oil spill may result in sea change for industry

http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/14/business/la-fi-oil-future-20100814

“Experts predict that energy production will slow and regulation will increase along with the cost of drilling in deep water. Better technology will have to be developed. New projects may require rigorously tested emergency plans. Government oversight will be overhauled. "The days of easy oil are over," said Michael Klare, program director at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington. "Only the tough crude remains, in unfriendly parts of the world or in difficult places where the technology and the regulations have not caught up. There are bound to be greater risks."”

Feds CONFISCATE independent LSU scientists’ samples because project not approved by BP, others

http://www.floridaoilspilllaw.com/feds-confiscate-independent-lsu-scientists-samples-because-project-not-approved-by-bp-others

WILDLIFE, HUMAN AND ECOSYSTEM IMPACTS