President Obama Not Impressed by Finger Pointing Regarding Oil Spill

Washington, D.C. (May 14) – President Obama during a press conference related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill expressed his dissatisfaction along with, the nations dissatisfaction with the executives of BP, Transocean, and Halliburton stating, “I have to say, though, I did not appreciate what I considered to be a ridiculous spectacle during the congressional hearings into this matter.”

In reference to the Congressional hearings, and the testimony given by the executives of the three principals involved in the financial side of this disaster, Obama stated, “I know BP has committed to pay for the response effort, and we will hold them to their obligation.  I have to say, though, I did not appreciate what I considered to be a ridiculous spectacle during the congressional hearings into this matter.  You had executives of BP and Transocean and Halliburton falling over each other to point the finger of blame at somebody else.”   

The President outline his proposal regarding reshaping the Minerals Management Service by creating to separate departments within the agency one to deal directly with issuing of permits and collection of royalties, and a separate department to handle inspection and the safety of oil rigs and platforms along with law enforcement. The President remarked,” For too long, for a decade or more, there has been a cozy relationship between the oil companies and the federal agency that permits them to drill.  It seems as if permits were too often issued based on little more than assurances of safety from the oil companies.  That cannot and will not happen anymore.  To borrow an old phrase, we will trust but we will verify.”

Earlier in the week, the White House released an emergency spending bill sent to the House for which, the administration is seeking swift action. “This week, we also sent to Congress legislation that would provide us with the additional resources to mitigate the damage caused by this spill.  And I ask for prompt action on this legislation.  That would help with cleanup efforts, it would provide unemployment assistance and job training to folks whose jobs are affected by this crisis, and it would help with the region’s economic recovery.”

The President closed his remarks referencing clean and renewable energy sources, “Now, as I’ve said before, domestic oil drilling continues to be one part of an overall energy strategy that now includes more clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency than at any other time in our history.” Concluding, “The people of the Gulf Coast need our help, and they deserve nothing less than for us to stand up and do whatever is necessary to stop this spill, prevent further damage, and compensate all those who’ve been harmed already.  That’s our job.”

Posted by worldnews on May 14, 2010. Filed under Environment,News,White House Press Releases,WorldNewsVine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.