| May 11, 2010 |  |
Splitting the Mineral Management Service into Two Agencies Good Move
WASHINGTON (May 11, 2010) – The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) today gave its approval to an Obama administration proposal to divide the Minerals Management Service, which oversees offshore drilling, into two agencies, saying the breakup was "long overdue."
Below is a statement from Francesca Grifo, director of the UCS Scientific Integrity Program.
"Putting one agency in charge of enforcing safety regulations and collecting billions of dollars in oil and gas royalties was asking for trouble. Separating these functions would benefit all parties involved—the Department of Interior, the American public, and the oil companies that must rebuild public trust.
"Conflicts of interest must be minimized so that the agency charged with enforcing safeguards is able to focus solely on protecting workers and the environment. While this was the most egregious conflict of interest, there are others Interior Secretary Salazar must address. The department needs stronger policies regarding science advisory committees and political appointees."
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
