BP Seeks to Resume Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico

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Source: The New York Times

LONDON — BP has asked United States regulators for permission to resume drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, two company officials with direct knowledge of the application said on Sunday.

The petition comes less than 12 months after a rig BP had leased there exploded, causing a huge oil spill and killing 11 workers.

BP is seeking permission to continue drilling at 10 existing deepwater production and development wells in the region in July in exchange for adhering to stricter safety and supervisory rules, said one of the officials. An agreement covering existing wells could be reached within the next month but would not include new drilling, the official said.

The other official said, “We’re making progress but it’s not a yes yet.” Both people spoke on the condition of anonymity because talks on a possible agreement were continuing.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/04/business/energy-environment/04bp.html