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The SpaceX mission
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U.S. to issue rules for new drilling permits on Tuesday
WASHINGTON |
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Interior Department's Minerals Management Service will issue on Tuesday afternoon new safety and environmental requirements that oil companies must fulfill in return for shallow water drilling permits, a department official told Reuters.
The new requirements, which were drawn up in response to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico would apply to companies drilling exploratory and development wells in waters less than 500 feet deep.
The new rules are designed to ensure offshore drilling rigs are operating safely and have proper equipment in working order to prevent an oil spill.
Many offshore drilling operations have been on hold while the government finalizes rules. Politicians and community leaders along the Gulf Coast have complained that tough new drilling requirements could discourage domestic oil production and lose valuable jobs.
(Reporting by Tom Doggett; Editing by David Gregorio and Sofina Mirza-Reid)
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