Spill Panel Slams Congress Over Inaction On Safety

Washington, D.C. – Members of a presidential commission that investigated the Gulf Oil spill say they are encouraged by safety improvements made by industry and the Obama administration, but give Congress poor marks for failing to enact major legislation newly two years after the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history.

The seven-member group, which issued a report on the spill last year, has reunited to press for action to improve drilling safety. The re-formed group issued a report card Tuesday for Congress, the administration and industry. The administration scored highest, with a grade of B for what the former commissioners called important safety enhancements. The oil industry received a C-plus, while Congress earned a D.

The group said Congress has provided neither leadership nor financial support for safety improvement efforts.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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