Secretary Salazar, Deputy Secretary Hayes, and BOEMRE Director Bromwich testified at today’s National Commission hearings. Director Bromwich made several important announcements and comments of interest to BOE readers:
- He has completed his public meetings and will submit his report to the Secretary by the end of the week, approximately two months ahead of schedule. Does this point to an early end to the drilling moratorium?
- Two significant interim final rules will also be issued by the end of the week. These rules will address well integrity, BOP performance, and other issues raised in the 30-day report submitted to the President at the end of May.
- New drilling will not be authorized until operators and contractors can demonstrate compliance with the new rules.
- BOEMRE resources will be reallocated to assist with the workload associated with the resumption of drilling.
Chairman Reilly expressed concerns about the leasing and regulatory functions reporting to the same Assistant Secretary under the new organizational structure. He also drew attention to the regulatory regimes in Norway, the UK, and elsewhere, and the importance of studying those programs.
Secretary Salazar’s goal is for the US offshore oil and gas program to serve as the “gold standard” for safe and clean operations around the world.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 
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