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Abbey to Strengthen Safety Requirements for Exploration and Development Plans on Outer Continental Shelf

Washington, DC: Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey, who has been called upon to also serve as Acting Director of the Minerals Management Service (MMS), today announced that, before drilling new oil and gas wells on the Outer Continental Shelf, operators will be required to submit additional information about potential risks and safety considerations in their plans for exploration or development.

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Let's Move Outside!

LAS VEGAS, NV—First Lady Michelle Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Assistant Secretary of the Interior Rhea Suh today launched the Administration's national Let's Move Outside! initiative to promote outdoor physical activity for children and families.

Speaking at Nevada's Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the First Lady characterized Let's Move Outside! as a critical new component of Let's Move— the comprehensive strategy she announced in February to help solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation.

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Top Officials to Return to the Gulf Coast

WASHINGTON - At the direction of the President, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco will return to the Gulf region next week as they continue their work, aggressively responding to the BP oil spill.

These officials' actions on scene will be coordinated by National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, who is leading the administration-wide response and directing all interagency activities.

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BLM Director Bob Abbey to Serve as Acting Director of the Minerals Management Service

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey will serve as acting director of the Minerals Management Service (MMS).

“Bob Abbey's recent leadership on onshore energy reforms is exactly the kind of experience we need as we continue to reform and begin to restructure MMS,” said Secretary Salazar. “I appreciate Bob's willingness to help tackle this crisis in the Gulf.”

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Salazar Calls for New Safety Measures for Offshore Oil and Gas Operations; Orders Six Month Moratorium on Deepwater Drilling

WASHINGTON – To improve the safety of oil and gas development in federal waters, provide greater environmental protection and substantially reduce the risk of catastrophic events such as the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today called for aggressive new operating standards and requirements for offshore energy companies and ordered a six-month moratorium on deepwater drilling.

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