E2-Wire

Coast Guard, MMS to formally launch joint investigation into Gulf oil spill

by Ben Geman - 05/08/10 6:10 PM ET

Captain Hung Nguyen of the Coast Guard and David Dykes of MMS – the branch of Interior that regulates offshore drilling – will co-chair the investigation.

Some lawmakers are also calling for an independent inquiry.

Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.) is the lead sponsor of legislation that would establish an independent, nonpartisan commission to probe the disaster and provide recommendations for avoiding future accidents.

Also, MMS has come under fire from watchdog groups for failing to require tougher safety measures for Gulf drilling operations.

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