US to split offshore oil royalty, safety roles

In response to the BP oil spill, US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said on Tuesday that the federal agency that oversees offshore drilling will be split to separate the collection of oil royalties from safety inspection duties.
The Minerals Management Service currently carries out both roles, drawing criticism from some US lawmakers and environmental groups that it is a conflict of interest for one agency to be responsible for regulating the safety of offshore oil production while also being charged with keeping the oil flowing so the government can collect royalties.
"The job of ensuring energy companies are following the law and protecting the safety of their workers and the environment is a big one, and should be independent from other missions of the agency," Salazar said.