NEW ORLEANS — The federal government on Monday issued a revised moratorium on deep-sea offshore drilling, imposed on the heels of
cagotthe Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Unlike the previous moratorium, which was struck down in federal court, the new one isn't based on water depth and applies to any deep-water floating facility with drilling activities. It will last through Nov. 30.
"I am basing my decision on evidence that grows every day of the industry's inability in the deep-water to contain a catastrophic blowout, respond to an oil spill, and to operate safely," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a statement.
The government's moratorium has been criticized by Louisiana's political and industry leaders, who say it is piling on economic hardship to an area already suffering from the oil spill. So far, the moratorium has caused more than 12,000 job losses and more than $172 million in lost revenue, according to
cagot a study by Greater New Orleans, a regional economic development agency.
