EU reviews offshore oil and gas policies

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EU reviews offshore oil and gas policies
BRUSSELS, (UPI) -- The European Union aims to craft legislation that would prevent a mishap like the Gulf of Mexico disaster from happening in European waters, officials said.

The international community is examining legislation governing offshore oil and gas exploration in the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil has been gushing into the waters off the southern coast of the United States since the April sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil platform.

European Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger said political and economic officials in Europe need to work together to develop the effective policies to ensure the safety of energy development.

"I wish to make sure that the necessary legislation is in place and effectively implemented and that, at the same time, all possible efforts are made by the industry to avoid a similar accident and consequent oil spill," he said in a statement.

Oettinger is scheduled for a July meeting with European Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik and energy executives to discuss oil European legislation in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon accident.

The EU considers offshore oil work a "high-risk sector." Current legislation details minimum health and safety provisions regarding offshore work.

The fire at the Deepwater Horizon killed 11 workers.

Oettinger said he could develop new legislative and policy proposals before the end of the year if needed.
 
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