Obama Vows to Suspend Further Oil Drilling in U.S.

Today President Obama held a press conference to discuss the government's role in responding to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He explained that all of BP's actions in response to the spill must be approved by the government (see today's White House blog). Obama also announced that his administration would suspend two planned oil explorations, cancel two pending or proposed oil-drilling lease sales, continue a moratorium on new oil-drilling permits, and put a halt to action on 33 oil wells being drilled in the Gulf of Mexico. To get some media response to the press conference, take a look at today's Wall Street Journal ("Obama Pushes for More Regulation, Extends Oil Drilling Moratorium").

You can find more updates on the oil spill using these resources:

• Deepwater Horizon Response Read the latest news on the oil spill, report incidents, file a claim, learn about volunteer opportunities, or submit your suggestions.
• Admiral Allen Approves One Section of Louisiana Barrier Island Project Proposal as Part of Federal Oil Spill Response
• Today's Map of the Deepwater Horizon/BP Daily Oil Impact Assessment
• U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mary Landry and BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles Video clip of yesterday's press briefing on the latest "top kill" method to cap the oil well.

For further information, don't forget about our guide to resources about the environment.