Tsongas Cites Frustration on Anniversary of Oil Spill Report

Westford’s member of Congress raised concerns on Friday regarding the 2010 BP Oil Spill on the three-year anniversary of a report relating to its economic impact on the Gulf of Mexico.

Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (D-Lowell), noted that the report gave Congress a D+ on their response to the disaster and noted that many recommended legislative reforms have still not taken place.

“Domestic oil production is at a 20 year high, and natural gas production is at an all-time high in the United States,” said Tsongas. “We should be making sure that the current oil production boom occurs in a manner that protects workers, coastal communities, and the environment.”

Tsongas is a cosponsor of the Offshore Energy Safety and Technology Improvements Act.

The bill, which was introduced referred to the House Subcommitee on Energy this week, aims to promote safer offshore drilling technologies.