President Barack Obama’s administration won’t allow any new oil drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico for at least the next seven years because of the BP oil spill. A senior administration official told The Associated Press today that drilling leases won’t be considered in the waters off Florida as part of the change in drilling regulations. He spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision hadn’t been announced yet. The official says the BP spill demonstrated to the administration the need to elevate safety and environmental standards. Before the spill, the administration had considered a plan to allow drilling in the eastern Gulf and along the Atlantic Coast. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to discuss the decision later today.
Government won’t end drilling ban off Fla.
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