U.S. agency let oil industry write offshore drilling rules

[babsbunny]

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/05/10/93859/us-agency-lets-oil-industry-write.html

By Les Blumenthal and Erika Bolstad | McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON — The oil industry, not the federal agency that regulates it, plays a crucial role in writing the safety and environmental rules for offshore drilling, a role that critics say reflects cozy ties between an industry and its regulators that need to be snapped.

Nearly 100 industry standards set by the American Petroleum Industry are included in the nation's offshore operating regulations. The API asserts that its standards are better for the industry's bottom line and make it easier to operate offshore than if the Minerals Management Service set the rules.

Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/05/10/93859/us-agency-lets-oil-industry-write.html#ixzz0nZp2GQmE

[Rex]

1. But, but, but this is Repukes smaller government in action! This is what

they wanted! Drown that gummit in a bathtub of oil! Deregulation is now coming back to bite us mightily in the ass.

[polichick]

2. Sure, that's what Cheney's energy plan was all about. Problem is...

...this admin. has done nothing to change it - leaving the same people in charge and choosing Salazar for Interior, an industry man.

[BeFree]

3. Yall just don't get it...

...Government exists to control the little people. The big boys are just fine without too much control. They wouldn't be big boys if they didn't know what they were doing.

Now you little people must be told who you can sleep with, who you can marry, and what you can and can't do even in the privacy of your own home. There's so many of you that have asked government to take over your lives. The rest of you won't stand up for yourselves so government must stand on you.

Don't worry, be happy. The government will no longer let the banks rip you off, or allow dangerous drilling. They will keep the 'others' out and save the world for an unreal democracy that in 500 years or so will be better for you. Trust them. Pay your taxes. Toe the line, and if you go to prison for some squiddly little thing, be happy for the shelter and food they give you.

Now go buy your BPee, and be quiet. And stay off the white house lawn.

[polichick]

4. Well, that's damn good - no matter how depressing! nt