Obama reiterates support for ‘responsible’ drilling

President Barack Obama on Friday said he continues to support domestic oil production, but only if it is done responsibly.

Obama
repeated his support for offshore drilling as the crisis in the Gulf
Coast continues after a British Petroleum oil rig exploded and oil has
spread throughout the Gulf and reached landfall.

{mosads}The president said he has directed Interior Secretary Ken Salazar
to find out how the explosion happened and report to the White House
within 30 days.

That report will include, Obama said, proposed
safeguards for new drills and platforms, and “any lease going forward
will have those safeguards.”

Despite increased criticism from environmentalists who blasted
Obama’s decision to expand offshore drilling, the president said he
believes “that domestic oil production is an important” part of a
comprehensive energy strategy.

Obama has sent Salazar, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Homeland
Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to the region. The White House said
Thursday it was unsure if Obama would visit the area.

Obama
again noted on Friday that BP is responsible for the cost and cleanup
of the spill, but he said the federal government is “fully prepared to
meet our responsibilities to any and all affected communities.”

The president said there are more than 1,900 federal response
personnel on the ground and more than 300 vessels and aircraft engaged.