Gulf Oil Slick

[MsDemeanor]

Originally Posted by Medusa

I am trying to do some research to find out how BP and other oil companies get approval to drill so close to our shores and the shores of Mexico and islands in the Carribean.
Anyone know where to look?

Permits are issued by the Minerals Management Service. This is perhaps the most corrupt federal agency in our country. They issue the permits, and they also collect the fees from oil drilling. Scandals have abounded for years - sleeping together (literally), snorting speed off a toaster oven (my personal favorite), and just all around partying and playing together. Google Minerals Management Service and prepare to be shocked.

By the way, in the week after Obama said no more permits for offshore drilling would be issued, MMS issued at least 5 new permits, including one in Alaska. If ever there were an agency that needed to be completely disbanded and rebuilt from the ground up, this is it.