The Interior Department recently took steps to jump-start new offshore oil exploration, announcing plans for a lease program that could open up new areas off the coasts of Florida, North Carolina and other states to drilling if Congress lifts the ban.

"The technology has improved — the safety systems we now require have greatly improved — and the (industry) has a good record," said Randall Luthi, director of the department's Minerals Management Service, which handles offshore oilfield regulations and leases.

Source: Austin-American Statesman

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