Oil and Gas: Interior has Strengthened Its Oversight of Subsea Well Containment, but Should Improve Its Documentation

摘要

On April 20, 2010, an explosion and fire on board the Deepwater Horizon, an offshore drilling rig, resulted in 11 deaths and the largest oil spill in U.S. history in the Gulf of Mexico. After this event, the Department of the Interior (Interior), which oversees oil and gas operations in federal waters, suspended certain offshore drilling operations. After developing new guidance, Interior resumed approving drilling operations in the Gulf of Mexico. GAO was asked to examine (1) the industrys improved capabilities for containing subsea wells (those on the ocean floor) in the Gulf of Mexico; (2) Interiors oversight of subsea well containment in the Gulf of Mexico; and (3) the potential to use similar subsea well containment capabilities in other federal waters, such as those along the Alaskan coast. GAO reviewed laws, regulations, and guidance; documents from oil and gas operators; and Interiors oversight processes. GAO also interviewed agency officials and industry representatives.