English subtitles for clip: File:Press Briefing on Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico.webm
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1 00:00:00,333 --> 00:00:01,833 Mr. Gibbs: Good afternoon. 2 00:00:01,834 --> 00:00:05,004 This is not my attempt to put more people on stage than are in 3 00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:11,630 the audience, but we might well succeed by the time this is over. 4 00:00:11,633 --> 00:00:14,003 I am going to -- I've got a few remarks on what the President 5 00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:16,470 has been working on the BP oil spill, 6 00:00:16,467 --> 00:00:19,067 but I wanted to -- we've got several people here at the 7 00:00:19,066 --> 00:00:22,266 briefing to give you an update on where we are. 8 00:00:22,266 --> 00:00:24,796 Our Homeland Security Secretary will give us an update on the 9 00:00:24,800 --> 00:00:27,430 overall situation. 10 00:00:27,433 --> 00:00:33,063 Rear Admiral Sally Brice-O'Hara will give us some details on the 11 00:00:33,066 --> 00:00:40,136 response on the ground and the water to the spill. 12 00:00:40,133 --> 00:00:43,103 Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes will give us an 13 00:00:43,100 --> 00:00:45,700 update on the joint investigation and on the 14 00:00:45,700 --> 00:00:48,500 pressure on industry to clean up the spill. 15 00:00:48,500 --> 00:00:52,100 Secretary Salazar is at the BP command center 16 00:00:52,100 --> 00:00:54,370 currently in Houston. 17 00:00:54,367 --> 00:00:57,097 EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will give us an update on air 18 00:00:57,100 --> 00:01:01,800 monitoring and preparations for the spill reaching the shore. 19 00:01:01,800 --> 00:01:06,670 We also have Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate 20 00:01:06,667 --> 00:01:12,297 Carol Browner here also to answer some questions if need be. 21 00:01:12,300 --> 00:01:15,670 So let me start with a few words of the President's involvement. 22 00:01:15,667 --> 00:01:18,167 The President has been actively following the BP oil spill in 23 00:01:18,166 --> 00:01:20,936 the Gulf of Mexico, receiving multiple updates, 24 00:01:20,934 --> 00:01:24,264 and consulting on the response since the incident occurred. 25 00:01:24,266 --> 00:01:26,736 The President started his daily intelligence briefing in the 26 00:01:26,734 --> 00:01:29,304 Oval Office this morning with an update, 27 00:01:29,300 --> 00:01:31,830 and last night on board Air Force One, 28 00:01:31,834 --> 00:01:34,734 on the way back to Washington, the President was briefed on the 29 00:01:34,734 --> 00:01:38,134 new information regarding the additional breach. 30 00:01:38,133 --> 00:01:40,963 The President urged, out of an abundance of caution and mindful 31 00:01:40,967 --> 00:01:44,067 of the new information, that we must position resources to 32 00:01:44,066 --> 00:01:47,166 continue to aggressively confront this incident. 33 00:01:47,166 --> 00:01:50,236 Following that, Rear Admiral Landry announced that while BP 34 00:01:50,233 --> 00:01:53,603 is ultimately responsible, the administration will continue to 35 00:01:53,600 --> 00:01:56,930 be aggressive in our response, and we will use all available 36 00:01:56,934 --> 00:02:00,264 resources, possibly including those at the Department of 37 00:02:00,266 --> 00:02:03,996 Defense, to see if there are technologies that might be used 38 00:02:04,000 --> 00:02:08,030 that surpass the capabilities of the commercial and private sector. 39 00:02:08,033 --> 00:02:11,263 Again, in accordance with the 1990 Oil Pollution Act, 40 00:02:11,266 --> 00:02:17,166 passed after the Exxon Valdez, BP, as the responsible party, 41 00:02:17,166 --> 00:02:20,196 is required to fund the cost of the response and cleanup 42 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:22,970 operations, and they are doing so. 43 00:02:22,967 --> 00:02:25,967 The President has also asked that Homeland Security Secretary 44 00:02:25,967 --> 00:02:29,467 Napolitano, Interior Secretary Salazar, 45 00:02:29,467 --> 00:02:33,897 and EPA Administrator Jackson go to the Gulf Coast to ensure that 46 00:02:33,900 --> 00:02:37,400 BP and the entire government is doing everything possible to 47 00:02:37,400 --> 00:02:39,230 respond to this incident. 48 00:02:39,233 --> 00:02:42,833 In addition, the President has directed responding agencies to 49 00:02:42,834 --> 00:02:45,304 devote every resource to not only respond to this incident 50 00:02:45,300 --> 00:02:48,100 but to determine its cause. 51 00:02:48,100 --> 00:02:51,330 Earlier this week, Secretary Napolitano and Secretary Salazar 52 00:02:51,333 --> 00:02:55,263 laid out the next steps for that investigation. 53 00:02:55,266 --> 00:02:56,866 We have a lot of folks up here. 54 00:02:56,867 --> 00:03:03,597 We've got a couple of slides that we will put up. 55 00:03:03,600 --> 00:03:09,330 This is the satellite picture as of 6:00 a.m. this morning. 56 00:03:09,333 --> 00:03:17,603 You see where the BP Deepwater Horizon was and the area that 57 00:03:17,600 --> 00:03:18,670 we're monitoring. 58 00:03:18,667 --> 00:03:26,497 So, with that, let me turn this over to Secretary Napolitano. 59 00:03:26,500 --> 00:03:28,030 Secretary Napolitano: Well, thank you. 60 00:03:28,033 --> 00:03:31,403 I'd like today to update you with the latest information 61 00:03:31,400 --> 00:03:37,130 about the BP oil spill, the steps BP is taking to minimize 62 00:03:37,133 --> 00:03:41,433 the environmental and other risks of this incident. 63 00:03:41,433 --> 00:03:46,503 Last night BP alerted us to additional oil leaking from 64 00:03:46,500 --> 00:03:49,900 their deep underwater well. 65 00:03:49,900 --> 00:03:51,900 They are working, with our support, 66 00:03:51,900 --> 00:03:54,570 to estimate the size of this breach. 67 00:03:54,567 --> 00:03:58,237 As has just been mentioned, the President has urged, 68 00:03:58,233 --> 00:04:02,703 out of an abundance of caution and mindful of new and evolving 69 00:04:02,700 --> 00:04:06,330 information, that we must position resources to continue 70 00:04:06,333 --> 00:04:08,933 to confront this spill. 71 00:04:08,934 --> 00:04:13,934 That being said, we have been anticipating and planning, 72 00:04:13,934 --> 00:04:20,934 and today I will be designating that this is a spill of national significance. 73 00:04:20,934 --> 00:04:26,064 What that means is that we can now draw down assets from across 74 00:04:26,066 --> 00:04:30,196 the country, other coastal areas, by way of example; 75 00:04:30,200 --> 00:04:34,970 that we will have a centralized communications because the spill 76 00:04:34,967 --> 00:04:37,637 is now crossing different regions. 77 00:04:37,633 --> 00:04:42,163 In addition to the command center that we have operational 78 00:04:42,166 --> 00:04:46,266 in Robert, Louisiana, we are opening a second command center 79 00:04:46,266 --> 00:04:51,236 in Mobile, Alabama, for the BP spill. 80 00:04:51,233 --> 00:04:54,663 As was mentioned, as well as part of our oversight of the 81 00:04:54,667 --> 00:04:58,767 response, I will be going to the Gulf Coast tomorrow along with 82 00:04:58,767 --> 00:05:03,367 Secretary Salazar and EPA Administrator Jackson to 83 00:05:03,367 --> 00:05:06,837 inspect ongoing operations. 84 00:05:06,834 --> 00:05:10,234 We remain focused on continued oversight. 85 00:05:10,233 --> 00:05:13,963 We'll be taking a very close look at efforts underway, 86 00:05:13,967 --> 00:05:17,537 particularly to minimize the environmental risks in the area 87 00:05:17,533 --> 00:05:20,163 affected by the leaking oil. 88 00:05:20,166 --> 00:05:22,666 We'll be meeting with other federal, 89 00:05:22,667 --> 00:05:26,897 state and local officials deployed to the area and helping 90 00:05:26,900 --> 00:05:30,900 in the response effort, and we will be meeting again with BP 91 00:05:30,900 --> 00:05:35,170 officials to discuss cleanup planning and operations. 92 00:05:35,166 --> 00:05:37,866 As the President and the law have made clear, 93 00:05:37,867 --> 00:05:42,537 BP is the responsible party and is required to fund the costs of 94 00:05:42,533 --> 00:05:44,933 the response and cleanup operations. 95 00:05:44,934 --> 00:05:49,634 But our visit to Louisiana and the affected areas tomorrow will 96 00:05:49,633 --> 00:05:53,863 also help inform our investigation into the causes of 97 00:05:53,867 --> 00:05:57,767 this explosion which left 11 workers missing, 98 00:05:57,767 --> 00:06:03,137 three critically injured in addition to the ongoing oil spill. 99 00:06:03,133 --> 00:06:06,803 Meanwhile, a coordinated group of federal partners, 100 00:06:06,800 --> 00:06:10,000 including the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense, 101 00:06:10,000 --> 00:06:15,230 Interior and the EPA, continues to work and oversee BP's 102 00:06:15,233 --> 00:06:20,533 deployment of a combination of tactics above water, 103 00:06:20,533 --> 00:06:23,633 below water, dozens of miles offshore, 104 00:06:23,633 --> 00:06:27,163 as well as closer to coastal areas. 105 00:06:27,166 --> 00:06:35,266 As you know, yesterday BP began a controlled burn designed to 106 00:06:35,266 --> 00:06:39,666 remove large quantities of oil from the open water in an effort 107 00:06:39,667 --> 00:06:43,297 to protect shoreline and marine and other wildlife. 108 00:06:43,300 --> 00:06:48,700 The trapped oil was consumed in about 28 minutes. 109 00:06:48,700 --> 00:06:51,930 BP continues to use chemical dispersants, which, 110 00:06:51,934 --> 00:06:55,304 along with natural dispersions of oil, 111 00:06:55,300 --> 00:06:58,600 will address a large portion of the slick. 112 00:06:58,600 --> 00:07:03,500 Nearly 100,000 gallons of dispersant have been used today. 113 00:07:03,500 --> 00:07:09,800 Among other response activities are on-water skimming, 114 00:07:09,800 --> 00:07:14,000 subsurface wellhead operations, continued efforts to see if they 115 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:17,900 can get that shut-off valve to close, 116 00:07:17,900 --> 00:07:23,730 and significant booming efforts underway to protect vital shoreline. 117 00:07:23,734 --> 00:07:30,434 Right now at least 174,000 feet of boom have been deployed, 118 00:07:30,433 --> 00:07:35,603 and other boom will be deployed at six staging areas. 119 00:07:35,600 --> 00:07:39,830 And they are ready to be deployed right now. 120 00:07:39,834 --> 00:07:44,464 In addition, approximately 1,100 total personnel are currently 121 00:07:44,467 --> 00:07:45,937 working the spill. 122 00:07:45,934 --> 00:07:51,334 And 685,000 gallons of oily water have been collected so 123 00:07:51,333 --> 00:07:55,833 far, using nearly 50 vessels and multiple aircraft who are 124 00:07:55,834 --> 00:07:58,364 engaged in the response. 125 00:07:58,367 --> 00:08:04,297 We will continue to push BP to engage in 126 00:08:04,300 --> 00:08:06,870 the strongest response possible. 127 00:08:06,867 --> 00:08:10,137 We will continue to oversee their efforts, 128 00:08:10,133 --> 00:08:15,833 to add to those efforts where we deem necessary, and to ensure, 129 00:08:15,834 --> 00:08:20,834 again, that under the law, that the taxpayers of the United 130 00:08:20,834 --> 00:08:24,804 States ultimately are reimbursed for those efforts. 131 00:08:24,800 --> 00:08:29,470 But that is not the key focus, I must say, right now. 132 00:08:29,467 --> 00:08:34,967 Our key focus is making sure that people know what is going 133 00:08:34,967 --> 00:08:38,567 on, they understand what relief efforts are underway, 134 00:08:38,567 --> 00:08:42,267 what the extent of the response is, what we know, 135 00:08:42,266 --> 00:08:45,296 what we don't know about this incident, 136 00:08:45,300 --> 00:08:47,730 and how we intend to move forward. 137 00:08:47,734 --> 00:08:53,964 And with that, let me introduce Rear Admiral O'Hara. 138 00:08:53,967 --> 00:08:55,137 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: Thank you, Secretary. 139 00:08:55,133 --> 00:08:56,003 Good afternoon. 140 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:58,800 I was asked to give you an update on the activities today, 141 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:01,300 but I think the Secretary has covered that very well. 142 00:09:01,300 --> 00:09:05,470 Let me help put into perspective some of the interactions that occur. 143 00:09:05,467 --> 00:09:08,567 The Coast Guard is the federal on-scene coordinator. 144 00:09:08,567 --> 00:09:11,837 So we have the leadership role for spills that occur in the 145 00:09:11,834 --> 00:09:14,804 coastal zone for this spill, in particular. 146 00:09:14,800 --> 00:09:17,930 We have been very aggressive and proactive in our response, 147 00:09:17,934 --> 00:09:19,864 but we have not been alone. 148 00:09:19,867 --> 00:09:23,597 We work with federal partners -- there are 16 federal agencies 149 00:09:23,600 --> 00:09:26,800 who form the National Response Team. 150 00:09:26,800 --> 00:09:31,370 We also work very closely with state and local authorities and 151 00:09:31,367 --> 00:09:34,937 with nongovernmental organizations -- as we move 152 00:09:34,934 --> 00:09:38,604 forward with the response, there are roles that volunteers can 153 00:09:38,600 --> 00:09:42,830 take and the NGOs are critical in helping us properly channel 154 00:09:42,834 --> 00:09:45,004 that drive and energy. 155 00:09:45,000 --> 00:09:49,070 And finally, the responsible party, British Petroleum. 156 00:09:49,066 --> 00:09:53,966 BP has taken a number of steps, as has been mentioned -- the 157 00:09:53,967 --> 00:09:57,367 controlled burns, the skimming, the booming, 158 00:09:57,367 --> 00:10:02,637 the activities to try and secure at the sub-floor surface -- we 159 00:10:02,633 --> 00:10:04,803 are working very closely with them, 160 00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:11,700 but as responsible parties, the role of the Coast Guard and the 161 00:10:11,700 --> 00:10:17,200 unified command partners to ensure that they move forward 162 00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:21,330 with activities that are safe, that are appropriate, 163 00:10:21,333 --> 00:10:25,903 and that will do the job to secure and remove this oil. 164 00:10:25,900 --> 00:10:30,600 Our focus in particular today is looking very carefully at the 165 00:10:30,600 --> 00:10:32,630 preventive booming that's occurring, 166 00:10:32,633 --> 00:10:35,103 using the best science that's available to us; 167 00:10:35,100 --> 00:10:38,830 working in conjunction with NOAA's scientific support 168 00:10:38,834 --> 00:10:43,064 experts, as well as EPA, to ensure that the responsible 169 00:10:43,066 --> 00:10:47,366 party is taking advantage of all the pre-planning that has been 170 00:10:47,367 --> 00:10:52,267 done to protect fragile areas -- because at this point the 171 00:10:52,266 --> 00:10:55,666 trajectory has the spill, the leading edge of the oil, 172 00:10:55,667 --> 00:10:59,067 reaching landfall in the Mississippi Delta region 173 00:10:59,066 --> 00:11:01,236 sometime later tomorrow. 174 00:11:01,233 --> 00:11:05,363 We are working very carefully at sea as well so that we continue 175 00:11:05,367 --> 00:11:06,937 the skimming operations. 176 00:11:06,934 --> 00:11:10,664 The controlled burn yesterday was very successful. 177 00:11:10,667 --> 00:11:13,537 The sea and wind conditions today do not allow us to 178 00:11:13,533 --> 00:11:16,733 continue to have a controlled burn today. 179 00:11:16,734 --> 00:11:19,064 As soon as there is an appropriate window we will 180 00:11:19,066 --> 00:11:22,696 continue the controlled burn activity because it was very 181 00:11:22,700 --> 00:11:25,030 effective yesterday. 182 00:11:25,033 --> 00:11:33,163 And with that, I'll take a break and answer questions when time. 183 00:11:33,166 --> 00:11:33,696 Deputy Secretary Hayes: Thank you. 184 00:11:33,700 --> 00:11:35,130 I am David Hayes, the Deputy Secretary of the 185 00:11:35,133 --> 00:11:36,603 Department of the Interior. 186 00:11:36,600 --> 00:11:39,630 I'm here today for Secretary Ken Salazar, 187 00:11:39,633 --> 00:11:43,003 who is in Houston at the BP command center, 188 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:46,230 reviewing the operations, asking the tough questions. 189 00:11:46,233 --> 00:11:48,863 He's getting an update on the company's progress in closing 190 00:11:48,867 --> 00:11:52,497 the leaks from their well and to ensure that they clean up the 191 00:11:52,500 --> 00:11:55,170 spill as quickly as possible. 192 00:11:55,166 --> 00:11:58,166 As has been mentioned, BP, as the responsible party, 193 00:11:58,166 --> 00:12:01,766 is still at work dealing with this issue. 194 00:12:01,767 --> 00:12:04,537 And in particular, they're still trying to activate the blowout 195 00:12:04,533 --> 00:12:06,703 preventer stack to shut the well. 196 00:12:06,700 --> 00:12:11,100 They have yet to be successful. 197 00:12:11,100 --> 00:12:12,770 We are moving with them on relief efforts. 198 00:12:12,767 --> 00:12:18,867 We have approved the drilling of a second -- of a relief well 199 00:12:18,867 --> 00:12:22,067 that could begin drilling within a matter of days, 200 00:12:22,066 --> 00:12:25,696 and we're reviewing application for a second relief well, 201 00:12:25,700 --> 00:12:27,630 should that be needed. 202 00:12:27,633 --> 00:12:31,503 As the President has directed, we are using every resource 203 00:12:31,500 --> 00:12:36,100 available to work on this response effort. 204 00:12:36,100 --> 00:12:38,770 We're also taking immediate steps to get to the bottom of 205 00:12:38,767 --> 00:12:43,197 how this happened, to ensure that industry is following 206 00:12:43,200 --> 00:12:46,500 safety and drilling regulations that are in place. 207 00:12:46,500 --> 00:12:51,270 Yesterday, of course, the joint investigation was announced by 208 00:12:51,266 --> 00:12:54,166 Secretary Napolitano and Secretary Salazar. 209 00:12:54,166 --> 00:12:55,566 That is underway. 210 00:12:55,567 --> 00:12:58,967 That joint investigation will have every tool it needs, 211 00:12:58,967 --> 00:13:03,337 including subpoena power, to get to the bottom of what went wrong. 212 00:13:03,333 --> 00:13:07,863 Also, Secretary Salazar has ordered immediate inspections of 213 00:13:07,867 --> 00:13:10,737 all of our deep -- all of the deepwater drilling rigs and 214 00:13:10,734 --> 00:13:13,034 platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. 215 00:13:13,033 --> 00:13:16,763 Our inspectors will verify that companies are following the law 216 00:13:16,767 --> 00:13:20,237 and all regulations as they conduct their operations. 217 00:13:20,233 --> 00:13:23,863 That inspection operation is underway as we speak. 218 00:13:23,867 --> 00:13:27,067 Finally, Secretary Salazar is convening a meeting of industry 219 00:13:27,066 --> 00:13:31,296 leaders and experts later today to talk about additional 220 00:13:31,300 --> 00:13:34,830 immediate steps to be taken to reduce the potential for a 221 00:13:34,834 --> 00:13:37,504 catastrophic blowout like the one that occurred on 222 00:13:37,500 --> 00:13:39,430 the Deepwater Horizon. 223 00:13:39,433 --> 00:13:43,503 We also want to ensure that they are providing every resource and 224 00:13:43,500 --> 00:13:46,030 every idea available to help. 225 00:13:46,033 --> 00:13:49,633 Obviously, although this type of incident is rare, 226 00:13:49,633 --> 00:13:53,003 it's extraordinarily serious, and we expect industry to be 227 00:13:53,000 --> 00:13:55,870 fully complying with the law and to be taking aggressive measures 228 00:13:55,867 --> 00:14:00,397 to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again. 229 00:14:00,400 --> 00:14:03,400 I believe that -- Administrator Jackson. 230 00:14:03,400 --> 00:14:04,300 Administrator Jackson: Hi, good afternoon. 231 00:14:04,300 --> 00:14:07,530 I'm Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. 232 00:14:07,533 --> 00:14:11,963 Over the past days, EPA has mobilized to respond to this crisis. 233 00:14:11,967 --> 00:14:14,797 We're working closely with DHS, with the Coast Guard, and, 234 00:14:14,800 --> 00:14:18,000 of course, with the White House to monitor the situation and 235 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:20,400 address environmental impacts. 236 00:14:20,400 --> 00:14:23,230 First, EPA is providing full support to the United 237 00:14:23,233 --> 00:14:24,833 States Coast Guard. 238 00:14:24,834 --> 00:14:26,434 As you heard the Rear Admiral explain, 239 00:14:26,433 --> 00:14:30,163 the Coast Guard is in the lead, and EPA on the National Response 240 00:14:30,166 --> 00:14:31,766 Team provides support. 241 00:14:31,767 --> 00:14:34,667 We've moved our initial resources to the command center 242 00:14:34,667 --> 00:14:38,067 in Louisiana, and we'll be moving additional resources 243 00:14:38,066 --> 00:14:43,136 there today and tomorrow, as well as to Alabama and Mississippi. 244 00:14:43,133 --> 00:14:45,503 We have stood up an air-monitoring program. 245 00:14:45,500 --> 00:14:48,430 That program has begun already. 246 00:14:48,433 --> 00:14:51,063 We'll soon be getting information on the results 247 00:14:51,066 --> 00:14:55,096 of the first samples out and on our Web site. 248 00:14:55,100 --> 00:14:58,000 And we'll continue to beef up that program as we've now 249 00:14:58,000 --> 00:15:00,130 learned that we're dealing with additional breaches, 250 00:15:00,133 --> 00:15:04,033 which probably means additional controlled burns in the future. 251 00:15:04,033 --> 00:15:08,103 EPA has air-monitoring aircraft that are -- one, 252 00:15:08,100 --> 00:15:10,700 that is gathering information on the impact of the controlled 253 00:15:10,700 --> 00:15:14,200 burn on air quality, both in the area of the burn, and, 254 00:15:14,200 --> 00:15:15,870 of course, further away. 255 00:15:15,867 --> 00:15:18,567 We're collecting air data from fixed and portable 256 00:15:18,567 --> 00:15:20,797 air-monitoring stations in the area. 257 00:15:20,800 --> 00:15:22,630 We'll analyze that data and, as I said, 258 00:15:22,633 --> 00:15:24,433 make it public in the coming days, 259 00:15:24,433 --> 00:15:27,803 certainly as soon as possible, along with the air-monitoring 260 00:15:27,800 --> 00:15:31,230 plan, which is in draft and which will be revised as we go 261 00:15:31,233 --> 00:15:34,533 along, and as the situation changes. 262 00:15:34,533 --> 00:15:36,703 Third, as has been discussed already, 263 00:15:36,700 --> 00:15:40,800 we expect the oil to hit the shoreline in the near term. 264 00:15:40,800 --> 00:15:43,370 In that event, the Coast Guard will remain in the lead. 265 00:15:43,367 --> 00:15:47,167 The Coast Guard is the lead on that water and in the coastal zone. 266 00:15:47,166 --> 00:15:50,866 As that happens, though, we expect EPA's role will expand. 267 00:15:50,867 --> 00:15:53,737 EPA is generally the lead for land-based cleanups. 268 00:15:53,734 --> 00:15:58,064 So we are preparing for that scenario by increasing our 269 00:15:58,066 --> 00:16:00,536 support to the Coast Guard and our other federal -- and very 270 00:16:00,533 --> 00:16:04,063 importantly our state partners -- in ramping up the monitoring 271 00:16:04,066 --> 00:16:05,536 of air quality. 272 00:16:05,533 --> 00:16:07,433 Surface water impacts will be next, 273 00:16:07,433 --> 00:16:09,963 and that will include sampling the water. 274 00:16:09,967 --> 00:16:12,237 Finally, as the oil does hit the shoreline, 275 00:16:12,233 --> 00:16:15,233 EPA will provide support to assess the impacts on the 276 00:16:15,233 --> 00:16:20,463 coastal shoreline and play a key role in implementing the cleanup. 277 00:16:20,467 --> 00:16:23,837 As a daughter of the Gulf Coast, I know that it is our job to 278 00:16:23,834 --> 00:16:26,804 ensure people that we will be eyes and ears working with the 279 00:16:26,800 --> 00:16:30,200 states who have valuable and vital resources to monitor air, 280 00:16:30,200 --> 00:16:31,670 water and land quality. 281 00:16:31,667 --> 00:16:32,637 Thank you. 282 00:16:32,633 --> 00:16:33,903 Mr. Gibbs: All right, let me just one quick thing, 283 00:16:33,900 --> 00:16:37,670 just announcement, the regular onsite media briefing that has 284 00:16:37,667 --> 00:16:42,137 happened each afternoon in the Gulf will take place as 285 00:16:42,133 --> 00:16:45,203 scheduled in addition to this. 286 00:16:45,200 --> 00:16:50,330 The Press: Yes, could someone explain under what circumstances 287 00:16:50,333 --> 00:16:51,663 DOD will come in? 288 00:16:51,667 --> 00:16:54,137 Does BP have to request that for some reason? 289 00:16:54,133 --> 00:16:57,033 And then when or if DOD does become involved, 290 00:16:57,033 --> 00:17:00,533 what exactly can they provide in terms of equipment or technology 291 00:17:00,533 --> 00:17:04,563 that BP and the Coast Guard cannot do? 292 00:17:04,567 --> 00:17:07,797 Secretary Napolitano: Yes, it's not really a BP request. 293 00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:12,030 What we have done is reached out to the Department of Defense to 294 00:17:12,033 --> 00:17:15,133 see in light of, you know the depth of the water, 295 00:17:15,133 --> 00:17:17,603 the complexity of the spill and like whether they have any 296 00:17:17,600 --> 00:17:22,030 either expertise or actual assets in addition to all the 297 00:17:22,033 --> 00:17:26,133 other things that are being employed that would be useable 298 00:17:26,133 --> 00:17:29,703 either, A, to plug the leak, stop the leak, 299 00:17:29,700 --> 00:17:36,230 speed up the repair of the leak, or assist in making sure that a 300 00:17:36,233 --> 00:17:39,333 minimal amount of water -- or oil, excuse me, 301 00:17:39,333 --> 00:17:41,463 reaches the shoreline. 302 00:17:41,467 --> 00:17:46,267 So that's being done at the operational level today working 303 00:17:46,266 --> 00:17:49,736 with the Coast Guard, the Department of the Interior, 304 00:17:49,734 --> 00:17:54,204 the EPA, NOAA, and the other federal agencies that have been 305 00:17:54,200 --> 00:17:57,700 involved since the day of this spill. 306 00:17:57,700 --> 00:18:01,800 And if and when they have something to add, 307 00:18:01,800 --> 00:18:03,570 we'll certainly make that known. 308 00:18:03,567 --> 00:18:05,067 The Press: You don't know whether -- at this point whether 309 00:18:05,066 --> 00:18:08,766 they do have assets that would be useful -- 310 00:18:08,767 --> 00:18:11,767 Secretary Napolitano: Not right now. 311 00:18:11,767 --> 00:18:13,997 Mr. Gibbs: That was something the President authorized looking 312 00:18:14,000 --> 00:18:15,830 into last night during the briefing. 313 00:18:15,834 --> 00:18:16,634 Chip. 314 00:18:16,633 --> 00:18:19,733 The Press: I think the frame of reference most people have on this is the 315 00:18:19,734 --> 00:18:22,504 Exxon -- on oil spills is the Exxon Valdez; 316 00:18:22,500 --> 00:18:23,830 that was 11 million gallons. 317 00:18:23,834 --> 00:18:26,504 I've seen an estimate that this could be well over 4 million 318 00:18:26,500 --> 00:18:28,130 gallons, under a worst-case scenario. 319 00:18:28,133 --> 00:18:32,833 Could this turn into a catastrophe approaching that level? 320 00:18:32,834 --> 00:18:35,864 Secretary Napolitano: Well, I think by designating it a spill 321 00:18:35,867 --> 00:18:41,037 of national significance, we are already illustrating that this 322 00:18:41,033 --> 00:18:45,563 is one that every available asset will be useable should 323 00:18:45,567 --> 00:18:46,597 it be necessary. 324 00:18:46,600 --> 00:18:49,170 Now, the difference with the Valdez -- the Valdez was a 325 00:18:49,166 --> 00:18:52,566 knowable quantity of oil because it was a ship. 326 00:18:52,567 --> 00:18:55,537 This is leakage from a well. 327 00:18:55,533 --> 00:18:59,163 Now, over the course of time, we've seen the amount of oil 328 00:18:59,166 --> 00:19:00,466 that has come out. 329 00:19:00,467 --> 00:19:05,037 NOAA has been able to revise estimates based on the length 330 00:19:05,033 --> 00:19:06,333 of time of the incident. 331 00:19:06,333 --> 00:19:10,403 Those estimates will become better and better over time. 332 00:19:10,400 --> 00:19:16,770 But we are deploying as if this would be a major incident. 333 00:19:16,767 --> 00:19:18,697 Would I use that kind of language? 334 00:19:18,700 --> 00:19:20,770 Would I throw out those kind of numbers? 335 00:19:20,767 --> 00:19:23,767 I think that itself would be premature. 336 00:19:23,767 --> 00:19:25,797 The Press: But some local officials are already complaining. 337 00:19:25,800 --> 00:19:28,300 It's been nine days and they're frustrated with the pace of the 338 00:19:28,300 --> 00:19:29,200 federal response. 339 00:19:29,200 --> 00:19:30,530 How do you respond to them? 340 00:19:30,533 --> 00:19:33,563 Secretary Napolitano: Well, BP is the responding party. 341 00:19:33,567 --> 00:19:35,397 We are overseeing them. 342 00:19:35,400 --> 00:19:39,200 We're working very closely with all of the state and local partners. 343 00:19:39,200 --> 00:19:43,970 And, again, I think the key thing is that there has been the 344 00:19:43,967 --> 00:19:48,867 inability of BP to -- through whatever methodologies they're 345 00:19:48,867 --> 00:19:50,867 using to get this shut. 346 00:19:50,867 --> 00:19:52,637 The Press: But you can't just lay this on BP. 347 00:19:52,633 --> 00:19:54,803 I mean, the federal government certainly has a response to 348 00:19:54,800 --> 00:19:56,270 respond to a catastrophe like this -- 349 00:19:56,266 --> 00:19:57,766 Secretary Napolitano: We understand that, but -- 350 00:19:57,767 --> 00:19:59,297 Mr. Gibbs: But let's understand, Chip, 351 00:19:59,300 --> 00:20:00,930 I think one of the things the Secretary is talking about, 352 00:20:00,934 --> 00:20:03,764 as per your example earlier on the Exxon Valdez, 353 00:20:03,767 --> 00:20:09,037 in 1990 the law was passed that didn't allow an oil company to 354 00:20:09,033 --> 00:20:12,933 do what had been done and hand the bill to you and me. 355 00:20:12,934 --> 00:20:17,164 It was -- it's now the responsibility of the oil 356 00:20:17,166 --> 00:20:20,236 company, in this case BP, British Petroleum. 357 00:20:20,233 --> 00:20:22,733 Understanding that -- let's understand over the course of 358 00:20:22,734 --> 00:20:27,064 the past many days the situation has changed several times. 359 00:20:27,066 --> 00:20:30,596 The well was initially recapped. 360 00:20:30,600 --> 00:20:32,330 Then it wasn't capped. 361 00:20:32,333 --> 00:20:35,203 We found, as of yesterday, additional breaches. 362 00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:40,270 Our response has been commensurate with that each time. 363 00:20:40,266 --> 00:20:42,336 The Press: But shouldn't the federal response be to respond 364 00:20:42,333 --> 00:20:44,033 to the possible worst-case scenario right from the start? 365 00:20:44,033 --> 00:20:45,133 Mr. Gibbs: That's exactly what we're doing. 366 00:20:45,133 --> 00:20:46,603 Secretary Napolitano: Let the Admiral talk to this. 367 00:20:46,600 --> 00:20:49,230 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: I would assure you that we are being 368 00:20:49,233 --> 00:20:51,763 very aggressive and we are prepared for the worst case. 369 00:20:51,767 --> 00:20:54,597 That's why we have mobilized in the numbers that we have, 370 00:20:54,600 --> 00:21:00,600 and worked out a plan that is as large and as broad-sweeping as 371 00:21:00,600 --> 00:21:04,530 the one that's in place, looking at the four states with likely impacts. 372 00:21:04,533 --> 00:21:07,963 We have a very important distinction to make between 373 00:21:07,967 --> 00:21:10,397 this case and Exxon Valdez. 374 00:21:10,400 --> 00:21:14,170 The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which was precipitated by the 375 00:21:14,166 --> 00:21:19,366 tragedy in Alaska, has put forward a response plan with 376 00:21:19,367 --> 00:21:23,837 levels of certification and qualification for those who 377 00:21:23,834 --> 00:21:25,604 respond to oil spills. 378 00:21:25,600 --> 00:21:28,870 And we have professionals who are on call. 379 00:21:28,867 --> 00:21:34,037 The companies that deal in cargoes that would be pollutants 380 00:21:34,033 --> 00:21:36,263 have to have plans in place. 381 00:21:36,266 --> 00:21:39,636 They have to have commitments with recovery operators. 382 00:21:39,633 --> 00:21:41,163 That's exactly what has happened. 383 00:21:41,166 --> 00:21:43,896 We have those professionals that are at the scene, 384 00:21:43,900 --> 00:21:48,270 hired through the plan that BP was required to maintain. 385 00:21:48,266 --> 00:21:51,636 They are at much higher levels of preparedness. 386 00:21:51,633 --> 00:21:54,403 We have great advances in technologies. 387 00:21:54,400 --> 00:21:56,570 The controlled burn, for instance, 388 00:21:56,567 --> 00:22:00,267 came much earlier in this bill than it was ever enabled in the 389 00:22:00,266 --> 00:22:05,436 Exxon Valdez case, and so we are putting tools to target much 390 00:22:05,433 --> 00:22:10,303 earlier and have assurance that this is not an Exxon 391 00:22:10,300 --> 00:22:11,900 Valdez type of case. 392 00:22:11,900 --> 00:22:12,630 Mr. Gibbs: Jake. 393 00:22:12,633 --> 00:22:14,963 The Press: Madam Secretary, what do the people who live in the 394 00:22:14,967 --> 00:22:17,497 affected region -- especially the Louisiana Delta, 395 00:22:17,500 --> 00:22:21,430 which is about to hit the coast in the next day -- what do they 396 00:22:21,433 --> 00:22:25,603 need to know? 397 00:22:25,600 --> 00:22:26,930 Secretary Napolitano: First of all, 398 00:22:26,934 --> 00:22:30,904 that the parish presidents and others have been working with us 399 00:22:30,900 --> 00:22:33,700 and we've been working with them very closely. 400 00:22:33,700 --> 00:22:38,270 We understand the concern -- the concern about fisheries area, 401 00:22:38,266 --> 00:22:40,936 the concern about other commercial activities that 402 00:22:40,934 --> 00:22:43,934 happen near sensitive environmental areas are involved. 403 00:22:43,934 --> 00:22:47,264 They need to know that there has already been a significant 404 00:22:47,266 --> 00:22:52,096 amount of booming to protect those areas from oil sheen that 405 00:22:52,100 --> 00:22:54,730 may not have evaporated or been skimmed. 406 00:22:54,734 --> 00:22:58,834 They need to know those efforts will be ongoing and continuing. 407 00:22:58,834 --> 00:23:02,164 They also need to know that we will be open and 408 00:23:02,166 --> 00:23:04,366 transparent with them. 409 00:23:04,367 --> 00:23:12,067 They need to know that there is already a BP system set up for 410 00:23:12,066 --> 00:23:16,296 them to file claims for their own individual damages. 411 00:23:16,300 --> 00:23:19,170 We will oversee that as well. 412 00:23:19,166 --> 00:23:22,796 And they need to know that we will be staying on top of this 413 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:25,900 as long as this incident is ongoing. 414 00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:27,570 The Press: Admiral, if I could just do a quick follow-up, 415 00:23:27,567 --> 00:23:32,137 and that is, apparently BP was estimating spillage was 1,000 416 00:23:32,133 --> 00:23:35,603 barrels a day, and you guys think it's five times that. 417 00:23:35,600 --> 00:23:38,430 Why do you think BP was so off in their estimate? 418 00:23:38,433 --> 00:23:43,433 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: I'm going to turn to my partner from NOAA 419 00:23:43,433 --> 00:23:47,063 and let her -- Dr. Lubchenco -- speak to some of the science. 420 00:23:47,066 --> 00:23:51,066 But I would tell you that we are at very deep depths; 421 00:23:51,066 --> 00:23:54,936 it's very hard to assess accurately given where 422 00:23:54,934 --> 00:23:56,634 this is located. 423 00:23:56,633 --> 00:24:01,133 There are signs -- we can see the fluid that's emanating from 424 00:24:01,133 --> 00:24:05,363 the places in the riser pipe that have been perforated. 425 00:24:05,367 --> 00:24:12,597 We know what that is in terms of temperature and what the volume 426 00:24:12,600 --> 00:24:14,070 may be that's coming out. 427 00:24:14,066 --> 00:24:18,366 So it's an estimate, a best estimate that was worked in 428 00:24:18,367 --> 00:24:21,297 consultation with British Petroleum, 429 00:24:21,300 --> 00:24:24,230 but also with the scientific support coordinator. 430 00:24:24,233 --> 00:24:28,063 But then, as we move through time and we see the product on 431 00:24:28,066 --> 00:24:31,036 the surface, there's additional information that can be 432 00:24:31,033 --> 00:24:34,003 determined from the appearance. 433 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:37,300 And I'll turn it to you to pick up there, Dr. Lubchenco. 434 00:24:37,300 --> 00:24:39,130 Dr. Lubchenco: I'm Dr. Lubchenco -- Jane Lubchenco -- 435 00:24:39,133 --> 00:24:43,603 Administrator of NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 436 00:24:43,600 --> 00:24:45,770 What the Admiral says is absolutely correct. 437 00:24:45,767 --> 00:24:48,197 It's very difficult under these circumstances to 438 00:24:48,200 --> 00:24:50,970 have any precise estimate. 439 00:24:50,967 --> 00:24:53,197 There is no one magic number. 440 00:24:53,200 --> 00:24:58,800 The initial calculations, there was agreement among BP and NOAA 441 00:24:58,800 --> 00:25:03,900 scientists that the likely, approximate rate of flow was 442 00:25:03,900 --> 00:25:07,200 around 1,000 barrels a day. 443 00:25:07,200 --> 00:25:09,970 It quickly became obvious, however, 444 00:25:09,967 --> 00:25:12,997 that there was more oil accumulating at the surface 445 00:25:13,000 --> 00:25:17,800 than would be possible at that flow rate. 446 00:25:17,800 --> 00:25:20,730 We have since redone those calculations, 447 00:25:20,734 --> 00:25:23,964 taking into account aerial observations, 448 00:25:23,967 --> 00:25:27,037 using satellite and aircraft -- so how much total area at the 449 00:25:27,033 --> 00:25:29,933 surface is being covered; what is the type of oil; 450 00:25:29,934 --> 00:25:32,864 what is the distribution of it -- it doesn't cover 100 percent 451 00:25:32,867 --> 00:25:37,137 of the surface, it's often in cornrows and streams -- so what 452 00:25:37,133 --> 00:25:39,733 is the percent area coverage. 453 00:25:39,734 --> 00:25:43,564 And then you subtract from that the burning that has been done 454 00:25:43,567 --> 00:25:46,437 with the platform and the oil on the surface with the controlled 455 00:25:46,433 --> 00:25:49,403 burn, for example -- the application of dispersants, 456 00:25:49,400 --> 00:25:52,170 skimming operations and in situ. 457 00:25:52,166 --> 00:25:55,536 And you can come up with a number that is then averaged 458 00:25:55,533 --> 00:25:57,463 over the total number of days. 459 00:25:57,467 --> 00:26:00,097 And so the revised upward estimate of 5,000 460 00:26:00,100 --> 00:26:04,030 barrels per day that was announced last night is a 461 00:26:04,033 --> 00:26:06,433 reflection of those calculations. 462 00:26:06,433 --> 00:26:11,503 It's quite likely we will continue to pay close attention 463 00:26:11,500 --> 00:26:15,570 to what is on the surface and to do these numbers, 464 00:26:15,567 --> 00:26:19,537 and there may be estimates -- revised estimates down the road. 465 00:26:19,533 --> 00:26:25,863 But this is -- simply observing where the oil is coming out is 466 00:26:25,867 --> 00:26:36,537 insufficient to really calculate any flow rate with any degree of accuracy. 467 00:26:36,533 --> 00:26:39,833 The Press: It was mentioned that a relief well permit was granted 468 00:26:39,834 --> 00:26:42,634 that could happen within the next coming days, 469 00:26:42,633 --> 00:26:45,733 but a company representative himself said it could take up 470 00:26:45,734 --> 00:26:47,834 to 90 days for that relief well to be -- 471 00:26:47,834 --> 00:26:49,234 Mr. Gibbs: That's how long the original was -- 472 00:26:49,233 --> 00:26:50,063 The Press: -- to be effective. 473 00:26:50,066 --> 00:26:54,936 So how long are we talking about before this can get under control? 474 00:26:54,934 --> 00:26:57,234 Deputy Secretary Hayes: Well, there are several potential ways to get 475 00:26:57,233 --> 00:26:58,263 this under control. 476 00:26:58,266 --> 00:27:01,596 First of all, the relief valve is the final and most assured 477 00:27:01,600 --> 00:27:06,130 final step -- that would be to essentially drill down the 478 00:27:06,133 --> 00:27:11,003 19,000 feet to where the formation is and to block off 479 00:27:11,000 --> 00:27:13,670 the well that is now open. 480 00:27:13,667 --> 00:27:19,467 So that -- this particular well took 90 days to drill -- the one 481 00:27:19,467 --> 00:27:21,637 that is -- that the accident occurred on. 482 00:27:21,633 --> 00:27:25,263 So we're just estimating that it could take up to another 90 days 483 00:27:25,266 --> 00:27:27,266 to put the relief well in. 484 00:27:27,266 --> 00:27:33,366 In the meantime, we're working with the BP on two other major approaches. 485 00:27:33,367 --> 00:27:37,497 One is to deal with this blowout preventer stack and to take -- 486 00:27:37,500 --> 00:27:42,170 to use every capability to try to get it -- the rams to close. 487 00:27:42,166 --> 00:27:44,136 That work continues. 488 00:27:44,133 --> 00:27:47,133 The other thing -- the other approach that's being used is a 489 00:27:47,133 --> 00:27:50,963 cofferdam is being constructed that would be lowered down to 490 00:27:50,967 --> 00:27:52,397 just above the leak. 491 00:27:52,400 --> 00:27:56,630 It would essentially collect the oil and then pump it up to the 492 00:27:56,633 --> 00:27:59,663 top so that you wouldn't have it dispersed and a much more 493 00:27:59,667 --> 00:28:01,337 efficient collection system. 494 00:28:01,333 --> 00:28:03,633 The Press: So the best-case scenario is how long until this 495 00:28:03,633 --> 00:28:06,533 -- you get this oil under control? 496 00:28:06,533 --> 00:28:08,003 Deputy Secretary Hayes: Well, best-case scenario is that the 497 00:28:08,000 --> 00:28:11,230 blowout preventer efforts -- interventions which are still 498 00:28:11,233 --> 00:28:12,903 underway -- work. 499 00:28:12,900 --> 00:28:14,800 The Press: And worst-case scenario is we could see 5,000 500 00:28:14,800 --> 00:28:17,170 barrels a day for the next 90 days? 501 00:28:17,166 --> 00:28:20,196 Deputy Secretary Hayes: It could be 90 days before the relief 502 00:28:20,200 --> 00:28:22,170 valve is put in. 503 00:28:22,166 --> 00:28:26,736 The Press: Robert, can you tell us what impact this incident is 504 00:28:26,734 --> 00:28:30,864 having on the President's view of offshore oil drilling, 505 00:28:30,867 --> 00:28:33,967 the proposal he put out some weeks ago to expand some 506 00:28:33,967 --> 00:28:35,137 offshore oil drilling? 507 00:28:35,133 --> 00:28:40,603 Mr. Gibbs: Let me get Carol and David, who both have -- 508 00:28:40,600 --> 00:28:42,000 Deputy Secretary Hayes: I think our focus, frankly, 509 00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:47,000 is on this particular matter -- that we are dead set at looking 510 00:28:47,000 --> 00:28:49,730 at what happened here, and dealing with it, 511 00:28:49,734 --> 00:28:51,434 and trying to learn the lessons of it. 512 00:28:51,433 --> 00:28:53,003 I'll leave it for Carol. 513 00:28:53,000 --> 00:28:55,800 Ms. Browner: The announcement that was made of Secretary 514 00:28:55,800 --> 00:28:58,370 Salazar about a new five-year drilling plan is the beginning 515 00:28:58,367 --> 00:29:00,997 of a process, and I think it's really important for everyone to 516 00:29:01,000 --> 00:29:02,900 understand -- and we said it at the time and we want to say it 517 00:29:02,900 --> 00:29:05,830 again here today -- that there will be ample opportunity for 518 00:29:05,834 --> 00:29:08,564 public input, there will be ample opportunity for 519 00:29:08,567 --> 00:29:11,637 congressional and governor input. 520 00:29:11,633 --> 00:29:13,733 That is the beginning of a process, 521 00:29:13,734 --> 00:29:14,804 not the end of a process. 522 00:29:14,800 --> 00:29:17,870 Obviously, what's occurring now will also be taken into 523 00:29:17,867 --> 00:29:21,767 consideration as the administration looks to how to 524 00:29:21,767 --> 00:29:25,667 advance that plan and what makes sense and what might need to be adjusted. 525 00:29:25,667 --> 00:29:28,437 The Press: Might it be expected to have an adverse impact on 526 00:29:28,433 --> 00:29:30,263 expanding offshore oil drilling? 527 00:29:30,266 --> 00:29:32,066 Ms. Browner: Well, as David said right now, 528 00:29:32,066 --> 00:29:33,396 we need to stay focused on the incident. 529 00:29:33,400 --> 00:29:35,030 We need to learn from the incident. 530 00:29:35,033 --> 00:29:37,033 We need to take that information. 531 00:29:37,033 --> 00:29:40,233 And as the process for the five-year OCS plan -- public 532 00:29:40,233 --> 00:29:43,363 hearings, et cetera -- unfolds, that all needs to be folded in. 533 00:29:43,367 --> 00:29:48,037 That plan doesn't automatically open up an area to drilling. 534 00:29:48,033 --> 00:29:52,803 It starts a process, and an area may or may not become open to drilling. 535 00:29:52,800 --> 00:29:54,200 Mr. Gibbs: I think that last point -- and I would just 536 00:29:54,200 --> 00:29:56,570 emphasize that -- emphasize Carol's last point, 537 00:29:56,567 --> 00:30:00,397 but also say that the President renewed his concern about the 538 00:30:00,400 --> 00:30:04,470 incident this morning, in ensuring that -- how that 539 00:30:04,467 --> 00:30:08,297 impacts any future decision that's made, again, 540 00:30:08,300 --> 00:30:14,070 based on a plan that designates the possible areas to be opened. Suzanne. 541 00:30:14,066 --> 00:30:15,336 The Press: But, Robert, if I could just follow up, 542 00:30:15,333 --> 00:30:17,863 does it give anyone pause, in light of what has happened here, 543 00:30:17,867 --> 00:30:22,197 about the wisdom or the efficacy of opening up offshore drilling? 544 00:30:22,200 --> 00:30:24,000 Mr. Gibbs: Well, Suzanne, I think it's important to 545 00:30:24,000 --> 00:30:29,430 understand we are -- the area that you're looking at broadly 546 00:30:29,433 --> 00:30:34,403 right there is where we get about a third of our domestic 547 00:30:34,400 --> 00:30:37,630 oil right now. 548 00:30:37,633 --> 00:30:45,803 So there are hundreds of oil and gas wells in this area. 549 00:30:45,800 --> 00:30:49,570 I would -- again, I think it's important to understand both 550 00:30:49,567 --> 00:30:52,437 what David and Carol said about the President designated -- and 551 00:30:52,433 --> 00:30:54,903 you heard the President say it that day. 552 00:30:54,900 --> 00:30:59,200 We have looked at -- based on the fact that the ban on 553 00:30:59,200 --> 00:31:02,430 drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf had expired, 554 00:31:02,433 --> 00:31:07,563 we looked at additional areas that could be open possibly to 555 00:31:07,567 --> 00:31:08,767 further drilling. 556 00:31:08,767 --> 00:31:10,837 But as Carol said, that starts a process. 557 00:31:10,834 --> 00:31:15,204 That is not a -- the President's announcement was not the end, 558 00:31:15,200 --> 00:31:19,930 rather the beginning of a longer process that will eventually 559 00:31:19,934 --> 00:31:23,304 evaluate from the Department of the Interior, 560 00:31:23,300 --> 00:31:32,130 the Minerals Management Service, the efficacy of each of those -- 561 00:31:32,133 --> 00:31:33,833 each petition to do so. 562 00:31:33,834 --> 00:31:35,604 The Press: So the President is still confident that it's safe 563 00:31:35,600 --> 00:31:37,030 to expand offshore drilling? 564 00:31:37,033 --> 00:31:38,833 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I would say this -- we don't know what 565 00:31:38,834 --> 00:31:41,304 caused what's happening today. 566 00:31:41,300 --> 00:31:44,800 So I don't want to say that short of knowing -- today we 567 00:31:44,800 --> 00:31:47,030 don't know what caused this. 568 00:31:47,033 --> 00:31:50,203 If we're saying that David and Ken and others came to the 569 00:31:50,200 --> 00:31:51,730 President and said, here's what caused it, 570 00:31:51,734 --> 00:31:54,704 would that -- could that possibly change his viewpoint? 571 00:31:54,700 --> 00:31:55,800 Well, of course. 572 00:31:55,800 --> 00:32:00,330 I think our focus right now is, one, the area, the spill, 573 00:32:00,333 --> 00:32:03,233 and two, also to ultimately determine the cause of it and 574 00:32:03,233 --> 00:32:06,663 see the impact that that ultimately may or may not have. 575 00:32:06,667 --> 00:32:08,437 The Press: And how much time do the people of Louisiana have 576 00:32:08,433 --> 00:32:10,163 before this oil hits the shore? 577 00:32:10,166 --> 00:32:12,396 Is this imminent? 578 00:32:12,400 --> 00:32:15,770 Mr. Gibbs: I think Rear Admiral Brice-O'Hara said that we think it's 579 00:32:15,767 --> 00:32:18,067 likely that -- later tomorrow afternoon. 580 00:32:18,066 --> 00:32:19,666 The Press: Do you have any sense of how much damage, 581 00:32:19,667 --> 00:32:21,497 what kind of impact that could have? 582 00:32:21,500 --> 00:32:25,200 And can you also -- somebody talk about the impact on the wildlife? 583 00:32:25,200 --> 00:32:29,800 Secretary Napolitano: Let me just say -- I'm sorry, 584 00:32:29,800 --> 00:32:33,970 hitting shore presumes no dispersant, no skimming, 585 00:32:33,967 --> 00:32:36,667 no burning, and no boom. 586 00:32:36,667 --> 00:32:41,197 But the booming is going on, in particular in places where 587 00:32:41,200 --> 00:32:47,600 according to the trajectories we think it would head for land first. 588 00:32:47,600 --> 00:32:51,170 And that is this outer area right here in Louisiana -- 589 00:32:51,166 --> 00:32:52,366 it's deployed right up there. 590 00:32:52,367 --> 00:32:55,467 So you can see that's where the boom has been deployed. Admiral. 591 00:32:55,467 --> 00:32:58,467 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: Well, I would just add that there is a 592 00:32:58,467 --> 00:33:00,397 -- what's called an area contingency plan. 593 00:33:00,400 --> 00:33:04,670 It's what all of the involved stakeholders have pre-planned. 594 00:33:04,667 --> 00:33:08,337 We know where the sensitive areas are -- nesting areas, 595 00:33:08,333 --> 00:33:10,003 fishing areas. 596 00:33:10,000 --> 00:33:13,900 All of the habitat is well understood. 597 00:33:13,900 --> 00:33:17,200 It's part of a plan as to how you then would lay out the boom 598 00:33:17,200 --> 00:33:21,670 to protect threatened areas from the product that's coming in. 599 00:33:21,667 --> 00:33:26,467 There is imprecision of just what the winds and the sea state 600 00:33:26,467 --> 00:33:29,597 will do with this slick as it moves closer to land. 601 00:33:29,600 --> 00:33:33,570 But our best estimate is tomorrow, 602 00:33:33,567 --> 00:33:35,997 late tomorrow early into Saturday. 603 00:33:36,000 --> 00:33:38,700 There is a little bit of a piece that seems to be floating 604 00:33:38,700 --> 00:33:40,230 somewhat separate from that. 605 00:33:40,233 --> 00:33:41,733 We're watching that carefully. 606 00:33:41,734 --> 00:33:45,134 But the boom will be there ready to respond. 607 00:33:45,133 --> 00:33:47,063 And then it's a layered approach. 608 00:33:47,066 --> 00:33:48,166 That's not the only thing. 609 00:33:48,166 --> 00:33:50,366 Behind booms you have absorbent pads. 610 00:33:50,367 --> 00:33:52,737 You have cleanup that's ongoing. 611 00:33:52,734 --> 00:33:57,464 Again, this is a cleanup team hired by the responsible party; 612 00:33:57,467 --> 00:33:59,037 the polluter is paying. 613 00:33:59,033 --> 00:34:01,663 But the Coast Guard, the federal government family, 614 00:34:01,667 --> 00:34:05,337 will be there in our roles to oversee that response and make 615 00:34:05,333 --> 00:34:08,603 sure that it's safe, that it's efficient and effective in the 616 00:34:08,600 --> 00:34:12,330 right places that have already been delineated with the 617 00:34:12,333 --> 00:34:14,603 longstanding plan for the region. 618 00:34:14,600 --> 00:34:16,470 The Press: So what's been the impact to wildlife so far? 619 00:34:16,467 --> 00:34:17,597 Do we know? 620 00:34:17,600 --> 00:34:21,830 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: We have no indication -- I'll ask Dr. Lubchenco 621 00:34:21,834 --> 00:34:24,264 to speak to that as well -- we have no indication 622 00:34:24,266 --> 00:34:28,566 that there has been any recovered wildlife. 623 00:34:28,567 --> 00:34:30,367 Sometimes you might see seabirds. 624 00:34:30,367 --> 00:34:32,897 None of that has appeared yet. 625 00:34:32,900 --> 00:34:33,730 The Press: But there will be? 626 00:34:33,734 --> 00:34:34,904 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: We can't say. 627 00:34:34,900 --> 00:34:36,730 It depends upon how the oil travels, 628 00:34:36,734 --> 00:34:38,764 how effective the booming is. 629 00:34:38,767 --> 00:34:40,167 We'll wait and see. 630 00:34:40,166 --> 00:34:41,236 But we'll be prepared. 631 00:34:41,233 --> 00:34:44,233 We are assuming worst case, so we will be prepared for that. 632 00:34:44,233 --> 00:34:45,103 Mr. Gibbs: And let's also understand, 633 00:34:45,100 --> 00:34:50,770 this is -- as was said, this is also dependent upon weather conditions. 634 00:34:50,767 --> 00:34:55,867 So understanding that, I also want to let you all know that 635 00:34:55,867 --> 00:34:59,297 while we have been in here, the President has reached out and 636 00:34:59,300 --> 00:35:04,930 talked with Governors Jindal, Crist, Perry, 637 00:35:04,934 --> 00:35:11,934 and Riley -- Riley and Barbour -- the five Gulf State governors. 638 00:35:11,934 --> 00:35:15,164 We'll have a more detailed readout on that a little bit later. 639 00:35:15,166 --> 00:35:16,136 Jeff, did you have something? 640 00:35:16,133 --> 00:35:16,863 The Press: Yes, Robert. 641 00:35:16,867 --> 00:35:19,637 As the administration looks at the causes of this, 642 00:35:19,633 --> 00:35:26,163 would you support having a pause in new deepwater oil drilling, 643 00:35:26,166 --> 00:35:28,766 so that oil companies can prove they have the technology and the 644 00:35:28,767 --> 00:35:31,997 ability to control and prevent these types of spills? 645 00:35:32,000 --> 00:35:35,230 Mr. Gibbs: David, do you want to -- David and Carol. 646 00:35:35,233 --> 00:35:36,433 Deputy Secretary Hayes: Everything is on the table. 647 00:35:36,433 --> 00:35:40,863 We are looking at -- that's why collecting the best minds this 648 00:35:40,867 --> 00:35:44,167 afternoon to look and see what the issue was. 649 00:35:44,166 --> 00:35:47,536 As Robert alluded to, this is an extraordinarily unusual event. 650 00:35:47,533 --> 00:35:50,903 The last time there was a blowout like this with loss 651 00:35:50,900 --> 00:35:52,970 of life was 1984. 652 00:35:52,967 --> 00:35:58,267 And in the meantime, we have a thousand offshore platforms or 653 00:35:58,266 --> 00:36:01,396 mobile rigs in operation producing 30 percent of our 654 00:36:01,400 --> 00:36:03,470 domestic energy supply. 655 00:36:03,467 --> 00:36:07,067 But we are determined to get to the bottom of it, 656 00:36:07,066 --> 00:36:11,666 and to enhance the safety issues. 657 00:36:11,667 --> 00:36:14,697 That's why Secretary Salazar today is announcing the 658 00:36:14,700 --> 00:36:18,000 additional inspections, and we are looking at additional 659 00:36:18,000 --> 00:36:20,100 short-term steps that we can take. 660 00:36:20,100 --> 00:36:22,770 And I expect you'll hear more about that in the coming days. 661 00:36:22,767 --> 00:36:25,097 The Press: Might those short-term steps include a pause in -- 662 00:36:25,100 --> 00:36:26,170 Deputy Secretary Hayes: I do not know. 663 00:36:26,166 --> 00:36:29,566 We're in the process of evaluating. 664 00:36:29,567 --> 00:36:32,297 This is a highly regulated area. 665 00:36:32,300 --> 00:36:36,400 We think the fundamental practice is safe. 666 00:36:36,400 --> 00:36:39,300 But obviously, we're looking very hard at everything. 667 00:36:39,300 --> 00:36:40,600 The Press: And one follow-up for Carol. 668 00:36:40,600 --> 00:36:44,430 Carol, does this -- how does this affect your efforts to get 669 00:36:44,433 --> 00:36:48,003 a climate bill advanced? 670 00:36:48,000 --> 00:36:50,000 Ms. Browner: Well, as the President said yesterday, 671 00:36:50,000 --> 00:36:52,130 we remain committed to comprehensive energy reform. 672 00:36:52,133 --> 00:36:56,033 We continue our efforts with members in the Senate, 673 00:36:56,033 --> 00:36:57,733 and we'll be continuing these. 674 00:36:57,734 --> 00:37:00,634 Obviously this will become, I think, part of the debate; 675 00:37:00,633 --> 00:37:02,063 that goes without saying. 676 00:37:02,066 --> 00:37:04,596 But I don't think it means that we can't get the kind of 677 00:37:04,600 --> 00:37:07,470 important energy legislation that we need for the people of 678 00:37:07,467 --> 00:37:10,337 this country if we're going to create the clean energy jobs 679 00:37:10,333 --> 00:37:13,963 that will allow us not only to build our renewables here, 680 00:37:13,967 --> 00:37:16,297 to build clean batteries here, but also to compete in the 681 00:37:16,300 --> 00:37:18,870 global demand for clean energy technologies. 682 00:37:18,867 --> 00:37:20,137 The Press: But does this not hurt the process a little bit, 683 00:37:20,133 --> 00:37:22,063 a process that's already kind of hurting? 684 00:37:22,066 --> 00:37:24,036 Ms. Browner: I think it becomes part of the debate. 685 00:37:24,033 --> 00:37:26,203 And that's the way these things happen. 686 00:37:26,200 --> 00:37:29,530 Something happens and it has to then be incorporated into the debate. 687 00:37:29,533 --> 00:37:32,103 But we're looking at all energy production when we talk about 688 00:37:32,100 --> 00:37:34,630 comprehensive energy reform for this country. 689 00:37:34,633 --> 00:37:36,503 Mr. Gibbs: Jeff, I'd also mention -- I would take into 690 00:37:36,500 --> 00:37:39,270 account what the Department of Interior announced yesterday as 691 00:37:39,266 --> 00:37:43,396 also weighing in on the debate by approving the first offshore 692 00:37:43,400 --> 00:37:47,000 wind farm in the United States. 693 00:37:47,000 --> 00:37:51,000 And Secretary Salazar said during that announcement this is 694 00:37:51,000 --> 00:37:55,770 the beginning of a host of these along the Eastern Coast. Mike. 695 00:37:55,767 --> 00:37:57,337 The Press: So two things, Robert. 696 00:37:57,333 --> 00:38:02,303 One, is there a reason why this kind of assembly, 697 00:38:02,300 --> 00:38:05,030 with all of these folks and you briefing us, 698 00:38:05,033 --> 00:38:07,033 didn't happen earlier? 699 00:38:07,033 --> 00:38:10,733 And this goes sort of to Chip's question about response. 700 00:38:10,734 --> 00:38:13,534 I mean, obviously you guys are completely geared up today, 701 00:38:13,533 --> 00:38:16,763 but why haven't we seen this kind of geared up earlier? 702 00:38:16,767 --> 00:38:18,737 Mr. Gibbs: Mike, I've read many of the stories in your paper. 703 00:38:18,734 --> 00:38:21,164 I think you've got reporters that have covered, 704 00:38:21,166 --> 00:38:23,866 as I mentioned, the daily media briefings that have generally 705 00:38:23,867 --> 00:38:25,437 happened at 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon. 706 00:38:25,433 --> 00:38:29,263 An additional one happened last evening to announce the new 707 00:38:29,266 --> 00:38:31,096 information about an additional breach. 708 00:38:31,100 --> 00:38:33,730 All of the members that are standing behind me represent 709 00:38:33,734 --> 00:38:38,464 departments that have been keeping the President up to date 710 00:38:38,467 --> 00:38:44,897 for as long as this has been an incident that we've been watching. 711 00:38:44,900 --> 00:38:51,530 The President spent quite a bit of time a week ago getting fully 712 00:38:51,533 --> 00:38:53,503 updated on what's going on. 713 00:38:53,500 --> 00:38:54,200 I would say this. 714 00:38:54,200 --> 00:38:58,400 There's no doubt that -- and I don't want to presume that this 715 00:38:58,400 --> 00:39:02,870 won't continue to happen -- but as we go farther, we learn more, 716 00:39:02,867 --> 00:39:04,667 and circumstances change. 717 00:39:04,667 --> 00:39:08,397 I think you've heard each and every person here say we have 718 00:39:08,400 --> 00:39:14,330 planned for and dispersed resources for whatever the 719 00:39:14,333 --> 00:39:18,033 worst-case scenario might be: 80,000 feet of boom, 720 00:39:18,033 --> 00:39:22,503 with more in the area, to potentially be deployed; 721 00:39:22,500 --> 00:39:29,430 a whole host of activities that are being carried out to ensure 722 00:39:29,433 --> 00:39:31,763 that what we envision as the worst-case scenario doesn't 723 00:39:31,767 --> 00:39:32,997 come to pass. 724 00:39:33,000 --> 00:39:34,730 The Press: Can I just follow up one other -- 725 00:39:34,734 --> 00:39:35,864 Mr. Gibbs: You want to add something? 726 00:39:35,867 --> 00:39:38,967 Secretary Napolitano: I just wanted to add something to that, 727 00:39:38,967 --> 00:39:43,897 which is to say that as the spill occurred, 728 00:39:43,900 --> 00:39:48,130 the initial first on-scene responder, Coast Guard; 729 00:39:48,133 --> 00:39:52,803 the initial focus, of course, was removing -- helping remove 730 00:39:52,800 --> 00:39:57,430 workers and also the search for the 11 missing workers. 731 00:39:57,433 --> 00:40:02,133 By Friday we had convened the National Response Team and we 732 00:40:02,133 --> 00:40:08,503 had convened that at the Cabinet level to begin making sure that 733 00:40:08,500 --> 00:40:12,870 on the scene, on the ground in Louisiana, in the Gulf Coast, 734 00:40:12,867 --> 00:40:16,637 everything was being done and coordinated properly. 735 00:40:16,633 --> 00:40:21,203 The press has been focused on the ground there simply because 736 00:40:21,200 --> 00:40:23,700 that's where the information was. 737 00:40:23,700 --> 00:40:28,030 The reason for this today is because now, 738 00:40:28,033 --> 00:40:31,933 as information is becoming more and more available, 739 00:40:31,934 --> 00:40:35,334 we have declared this an incident of national 740 00:40:35,333 --> 00:40:38,563 significance and we wanted to make sure that you and, 741 00:40:38,567 --> 00:40:41,797 in particular, the residents of the Gulf Coast knew the extent 742 00:40:41,800 --> 00:40:45,370 not only of our involvement, but of the President's involvement. 743 00:40:45,367 --> 00:40:46,667 The Press: Can I just ask one other thing? 744 00:40:46,667 --> 00:40:49,237 I went back and read this morning the President's speech 745 00:40:49,233 --> 00:40:52,703 that he gave at the end of March on the offshore oil drilling, 746 00:40:52,700 --> 00:40:55,530 and to be fair, he didn't talk about -- it wasn't a speech 747 00:40:55,533 --> 00:40:57,063 about the beginning of a process, 748 00:40:57,066 --> 00:41:02,236 he talked about that there will be critics on the left and 749 00:41:02,233 --> 00:41:08,903 critics on the right, but that he was convinced that opening 750 00:41:08,900 --> 00:41:11,030 these areas to more oil drilling, 751 00:41:11,033 --> 00:41:13,333 more oil exploration was the right thing to do. 752 00:41:13,333 --> 00:41:15,103 So I guess the question is -- 753 00:41:15,100 --> 00:41:17,130 Mr. Gibbs: But understand -- can I just -- understand, Mike, 754 00:41:17,133 --> 00:41:21,133 that there is a legal process in what he announced that has to be done. 755 00:41:21,133 --> 00:41:24,703 I mean, the President might not have enumerated the length of 756 00:41:24,700 --> 00:41:28,470 the legal process, but that's why the Department of Interior 757 00:41:28,467 --> 00:41:31,897 and the Minerals Management Service has a permitting process 758 00:41:31,900 --> 00:41:36,070 for each well and for each petition for that well. 759 00:41:36,066 --> 00:41:38,796 So understand that -- Mike, as I've said, 760 00:41:38,800 --> 00:41:41,500 as the President has said, as I think probably everybody in the 761 00:41:41,500 --> 00:41:45,130 States -- there is no one thing that can be done to reduce our 762 00:41:45,133 --> 00:41:47,733 dependence on foreign oil -- from an environmental, 763 00:41:47,734 --> 00:41:50,164 from a national security, or from an economic standpoint. 764 00:41:50,166 --> 00:41:53,366 If there was one thing, rest assured somebody would have done 765 00:41:53,367 --> 00:41:55,367 it -- likely in a previous administration. 766 00:41:55,367 --> 00:42:00,267 That's why we've taken steps to increase clean energy jobs, 767 00:42:00,266 --> 00:42:03,136 wind and solar investment, wind farms. 768 00:42:03,133 --> 00:42:06,763 And the President does believe we have to increase domestic production. 769 00:42:06,767 --> 00:42:10,137 But again, understanding, Mike, that the process that the 770 00:42:10,133 --> 00:42:13,663 President announced was the beginning of that process 771 00:42:13,667 --> 00:42:17,497 because there are a host of legal things that have to happen 772 00:42:17,500 --> 00:42:22,600 -- I made mention of the wind farm off the coast of 773 00:42:22,600 --> 00:42:25,830 Massachusetts -- I think the paper said today that was -- 774 00:42:25,834 --> 00:42:28,704 this is basically a nine-year decision. 775 00:42:28,700 --> 00:42:33,030 So understand that all of these do take some time. Christi. 776 00:42:33,033 --> 00:42:35,233 The Press: Secretary Napolitano, could you take some immigration 777 00:42:35,233 --> 00:42:36,803 questions before you go? 778 00:42:36,800 --> 00:42:38,300 Secretary Napolitano: I'll ask -- 779 00:42:38,300 --> 00:42:43,230 Mr. Gibbs: Well, let's do these, and then we'll see what we have left. 780 00:42:43,233 --> 00:42:45,263 The Press: You mentioned that there's going to be a much greater 781 00:42:45,266 --> 00:42:46,866 federal response to this. 782 00:42:46,867 --> 00:42:50,067 Can you give us an estimate of how much you think this is going 783 00:42:50,066 --> 00:42:51,666 to cost in a worst-case scenario, 784 00:42:51,667 --> 00:42:55,167 and who is going to bear the cost of that response? 785 00:42:55,166 --> 00:42:56,496 Will it be American taxpayers? 786 00:42:56,500 --> 00:42:58,830 Mr. Gibbs: Under the Oil Pollution Act, BP pays for all this. 787 00:42:58,834 --> 00:42:59,504 The Press: They pay for everything? 788 00:42:59,500 --> 00:43:00,170 Mr. Gibbs: Yes. 789 00:43:00,166 --> 00:43:02,096 The Press: Robert, would you agree with Henry Waxman -- 790 00:43:02,100 --> 00:43:03,570 Mr. Gibbs: Hold on, let me just go here. Yes. 791 00:43:03,567 --> 00:43:04,797 The Press: Is there a point, though, 792 00:43:04,800 --> 00:43:08,870 where the federal government shifts from oversight of BP to 793 00:43:08,867 --> 00:43:12,937 saying, we're taking control and we'll send you the bill, 794 00:43:12,934 --> 00:43:16,964 and are we at that point? 795 00:43:16,967 --> 00:43:19,097 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: We are certainly not at that point now. 796 00:43:19,100 --> 00:43:23,270 And I don't imagine, given the professionalism of our partner, 797 00:43:23,266 --> 00:43:30,536 BP, and -- maybe partner was -- let me back up. 798 00:43:30,533 --> 00:43:30,663 (laughter) 799 00:43:30,667 --> 00:43:33,697 Secretary Napolitano: They are not our partner -- they are not our partner. 800 00:43:33,700 --> 00:43:38,570 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: In terms of -- bad choice of words. 801 00:43:38,567 --> 00:43:42,737 Our responsible party has shown willingness, 802 00:43:42,734 --> 00:43:46,634 they've shown resolve, they've shown accommodation for what the 803 00:43:46,633 --> 00:43:48,803 government has asked of them. 804 00:43:48,800 --> 00:43:50,370 They, too, have been forward leaning. 805 00:43:50,367 --> 00:43:53,497 I can't emphasize enough in terms of what's happening 806 00:43:53,500 --> 00:43:56,870 underwater -- the state of the art of that technology. 807 00:43:56,867 --> 00:43:58,697 There are not easy answers. 808 00:43:58,700 --> 00:44:02,330 But relative to the spill response, 809 00:44:02,333 --> 00:44:06,033 we find that they are doing what they should be doing. 810 00:44:06,033 --> 00:44:10,963 We will not let up on our vigilance and observation to 811 00:44:10,967 --> 00:44:14,197 ensure that they continue to bring everything possible to 812 00:44:14,200 --> 00:44:19,300 bear to manage this spill response and to prevent damage 813 00:44:19,300 --> 00:44:21,570 to fragile ecosystems. 814 00:44:21,567 --> 00:44:22,737 Administrator Jackson: Can I? 815 00:44:22,734 --> 00:44:25,964 I actually just want to add one slight amendment to that. 816 00:44:25,967 --> 00:44:29,597 When it comes to monitoring, to actually taking data to 817 00:44:29,600 --> 00:44:32,770 determine contamination -- whether it's air, water, 818 00:44:32,767 --> 00:44:35,897 whether it's NOAA's work on estimation of the amount 819 00:44:35,900 --> 00:44:40,600 released, whether it's deciding how to protect beaches or 820 00:44:40,600 --> 00:44:45,270 fisheries or fragile resources -- the government is doing that work. 821 00:44:45,266 --> 00:44:47,136 EPA has tasked its contractors. 822 00:44:47,133 --> 00:44:50,563 We will be sending a bill to BP at some point. 823 00:44:50,567 --> 00:44:53,767 But it's our belief that not only the federal government, 824 00:44:53,767 --> 00:44:56,167 but, for example, those fixed-state monitors that are 825 00:44:56,166 --> 00:44:59,336 now being asked to step up and do more air monitoring or 826 00:44:59,333 --> 00:45:02,533 potentially water monitoring, that work is best done -- it's 827 00:45:02,533 --> 00:45:05,563 inherently governmental, but BP should pay for it. 828 00:45:05,567 --> 00:45:08,897 The Press: You said that BP is responsible for ultimately 829 00:45:08,900 --> 00:45:11,630 footing the bill, but have there been any initial cost estimates 830 00:45:11,633 --> 00:45:13,533 that have been -- 831 00:45:13,533 --> 00:45:16,263 Mr. Gibbs: For -- the initial cost estimate for BP? 832 00:45:16,266 --> 00:45:17,296 The Press: Yes -- 833 00:45:17,300 --> 00:45:18,330 The Press: Just total. 834 00:45:18,333 --> 00:45:20,833 Mr. Gibbs: I would direct that to BP. 835 00:45:20,834 --> 00:45:22,904 The Press: Robert, I have an additional question for Deputy 836 00:45:22,900 --> 00:45:24,200 Secretary Hayes. 837 00:45:24,200 --> 00:45:28,070 Could you elaborate at all on the meeting later today and who 838 00:45:28,066 --> 00:45:31,636 from industry will be here -- whether Secretary Salazar will 839 00:45:31,633 --> 00:45:32,663 be back in time? 840 00:45:32,667 --> 00:45:35,397 Will BP be having a representative at that meeting? 841 00:45:35,400 --> 00:45:37,370 Deputy Secretary Hayes: Secretary Salazar will be back. 842 00:45:37,367 --> 00:45:38,467 He'll be hosting the meeting. 843 00:45:38,467 --> 00:45:43,867 There will be others from this stage at that meeting as well. 844 00:45:43,867 --> 00:45:47,437 We have invited all of the major players in industry that do 845 00:45:47,433 --> 00:45:51,403 deepwater drilling and production to send their CEO and 846 00:45:51,400 --> 00:45:57,400 top technical folks to have a discussion about what we might 847 00:45:57,400 --> 00:46:01,330 consider doing in the short term to ensure safety, 848 00:46:01,333 --> 00:46:03,403 getting to the point that was made before. 849 00:46:03,400 --> 00:46:07,730 So we expect it to be a technical and substantive discussion. 850 00:46:07,734 --> 00:46:10,064 The Press: Do you have any names of CEOs who will be there? 851 00:46:10,066 --> 00:46:10,966 What companies? 852 00:46:10,967 --> 00:46:14,037 Mr. Gibbs: We'll get you -- not just who was invited, 853 00:46:14,033 --> 00:46:15,833 but ultimately who shows up. Margaret. 854 00:46:15,834 --> 00:46:16,564 The Press: Thank you. 855 00:46:16,567 --> 00:46:19,567 Robert, some Americans remember the Santa Barbara spill. 856 00:46:19,567 --> 00:46:21,167 Many remember Exxon Valdez. 857 00:46:21,166 --> 00:46:25,066 Once we know more, do you expect that because this is such a 858 00:46:25,066 --> 00:46:29,236 galvanizing event, the President will speak in detail to 859 00:46:29,233 --> 00:46:32,703 Americans about what happened, what it means environmentally, 860 00:46:32,700 --> 00:46:34,500 what it means for policies going forward? 861 00:46:34,500 --> 00:46:35,170 Should we expect -- 862 00:46:35,166 --> 00:46:37,096 Mr. Gibbs: Look, I think as Carol said, 863 00:46:37,100 --> 00:46:40,200 this -- and as Secretary Napolitano, 864 00:46:40,200 --> 00:46:46,600 this is an incident of national significance and of national 865 00:46:46,600 --> 00:46:51,400 importance, and I anticipate that that could be possible in 866 00:46:51,400 --> 00:46:52,830 the coming days. April. 867 00:46:52,834 --> 00:46:56,564 The Press: Robert, if someone here could speak on this -- this 868 00:46:56,567 --> 00:46:59,567 has a ripple effect, as far as the economy is concerned, 869 00:46:59,567 --> 00:47:02,137 on the fisheries, as well as gas prices. 870 00:47:02,133 --> 00:47:04,503 Is there anyone in this administration who has already 871 00:47:04,500 --> 00:47:08,430 taken the lead or moved into the area trying to make sure that 872 00:47:08,433 --> 00:47:13,363 prices will not skyrocket as much as -- with this leakage and 873 00:47:13,367 --> 00:47:16,337 with possible problems with fish and -- 874 00:47:16,333 --> 00:47:22,063 Mr. Gibbs: Let me just say, I will -- let me ask NEC on what 875 00:47:22,066 --> 00:47:27,966 they might be working on in terms of gas prices. 876 00:47:27,967 --> 00:47:31,037 Obviously, one of the things that we discussed with the 877 00:47:31,033 --> 00:47:36,303 President this morning, you have shipping channels that could 878 00:47:36,300 --> 00:47:43,270 soon -- the area of the spill could soon be in a very large 879 00:47:43,266 --> 00:47:45,936 shipping channel, and the ramifications that may or may 880 00:47:45,934 --> 00:47:46,904 not have as well. 881 00:47:46,900 --> 00:47:48,570 Ms. Browner: Can I just make one factual point? 882 00:47:48,567 --> 00:47:51,397 This well was not a production well yet. 883 00:47:51,400 --> 00:47:52,830 It was an exploration well. 884 00:47:52,834 --> 00:47:57,064 So it wasn't as if oil that was being shipped out to refineries 885 00:47:57,066 --> 00:47:58,366 has been lost. 886 00:47:58,367 --> 00:48:00,367 This was an exploratory well. 887 00:48:00,367 --> 00:48:02,197 The Press: But, again, it has a ripple effect -- and what should 888 00:48:02,200 --> 00:48:03,800 the American public brace for? 889 00:48:03,800 --> 00:48:06,970 I mean people were screaming at $4 a couple of years ago. 890 00:48:06,967 --> 00:48:09,797 Is that a possibility now with this because -- 891 00:48:09,800 --> 00:48:11,470 Mr. Gibbs: I don't want to get into the conjecture of that. 892 00:48:11,467 --> 00:48:15,437 I think as Carol said, it's not as if a known quantity of oil 893 00:48:15,433 --> 00:48:21,703 has been taken out of the market because this was exploration not production. 894 00:48:21,700 --> 00:48:25,500 So, April, I think first and foremost, 895 00:48:25,500 --> 00:48:31,130 the people that are behind me are focused on managing this 896 00:48:31,133 --> 00:48:37,333 incident and ensuring that it has a minimal effect on our 897 00:48:37,333 --> 00:48:38,703 environment and our economy. 898 00:48:38,700 --> 00:48:40,030 The Press: Robert, are you seeing -- but are you seeing 899 00:48:40,033 --> 00:48:42,133 anything right now, as far as environmentally concerned, 900 00:48:42,133 --> 00:48:44,833 seeing fish washing up on the shores and things of that nature? 901 00:48:44,834 --> 00:48:47,704 Mr. Gibbs: Well, I think that was addressed earlier that that 902 00:48:47,700 --> 00:48:49,030 was not the case. Sam. 903 00:48:49,033 --> 00:48:51,033 The Press: You mentioned the calls to the governors -- has 904 00:48:51,033 --> 00:48:53,563 the President also reached out for any discussion with members 905 00:48:53,567 --> 00:48:54,967 of Congress from the area? 906 00:48:54,967 --> 00:48:55,837 And, also, is -- 907 00:48:55,834 --> 00:48:58,504 Mr. Gibbs: I believe members of Congress were briefed last -- 908 00:48:58,500 --> 00:49:00,400 Secretary Napolitano: They've been briefed daily and sometimes multiple daily -- 909 00:49:00,400 --> 00:49:02,230 The Press: And also, is there any talk of the President going 910 00:49:02,233 --> 00:49:03,963 down to one of the command centers? 911 00:49:03,967 --> 00:49:07,497 Mr. Gibbs: I don't know if -- I can check scheduling on that. 912 00:49:07,500 --> 00:49:14,270 I know that we've got these guys going down there tomorrow, 913 00:49:14,266 --> 00:49:17,466 but I don't know about the President's trip down there. Bill. 914 00:49:17,467 --> 00:49:18,797 The Press: Robert, does the administration agree -- 915 00:49:18,800 --> 00:49:20,300 Mr. Gibbs: Hold on, hold on, let me just -- Bill. 916 00:49:20,300 --> 00:49:21,270 The Press: Robert, I think -- 917 00:49:21,266 --> 00:49:24,136 Mr. Gibbs: Don't worry, I haven't missed you. Bill. 918 00:49:24,133 --> 00:49:27,303 The Press: I think the Admiral mentioned the Mississippi Delta 919 00:49:27,300 --> 00:49:29,400 as maybe tomorrow being impacted. 920 00:49:29,400 --> 00:49:32,930 What other -- my question to her is what other land areas might 921 00:49:32,934 --> 00:49:36,064 be at risk, and -- for example, the Florida beaches? 922 00:49:36,066 --> 00:49:40,666 And when would you expect other areas to be impacted 923 00:49:40,667 --> 00:49:42,137 by onshore -- 924 00:49:42,133 --> 00:49:44,663 REAR Admiral Brice-O'Hara: Certainly we are prepared for this spill 925 00:49:44,667 --> 00:49:47,937 to move throughout the Gulf dependent upon the wind 926 00:49:47,934 --> 00:49:49,804 and sea conditions. 927 00:49:49,800 --> 00:49:53,570 And we monitor that through our partners at NOAA. 928 00:49:53,567 --> 00:49:57,667 And their scientific support coordinators help us anticipate, 929 00:49:57,667 --> 00:50:02,197 and we generally have enough of a projection so that we can take 930 00:50:02,200 --> 00:50:04,070 the necessary steps. 931 00:50:04,066 --> 00:50:10,736 All of that said, Florida, under the federal on-scene coordinator 932 00:50:10,734 --> 00:50:14,934 who will be designated today in Miami to oversee the 933 00:50:14,934 --> 00:50:18,064 coordination of all operations on the Florida coasts, 934 00:50:18,066 --> 00:50:25,566 has been provided discussion, information and guidance to 935 00:50:25,567 --> 00:50:27,297 prepare themselves. 936 00:50:27,300 --> 00:50:31,100 They also have contingency plans that will be brought to bear 937 00:50:31,100 --> 00:50:32,800 when the time is right. 938 00:50:32,800 --> 00:50:35,070 The Press: So the worst case would be Florida, Mississippi, 939 00:50:35,066 --> 00:50:37,336 Louisiana, Texas? 940 00:50:37,333 --> 00:50:40,003 Mr. Gibbs: Well, look, I think given where the oil is and the 941 00:50:40,000 --> 00:50:43,770 calls that the President made, we're taking the precaution that 942 00:50:43,767 --> 00:50:45,737 based on sea and wind conditions, 943 00:50:45,734 --> 00:50:48,464 this could go -- you know, again, 944 00:50:48,467 --> 00:50:53,837 it could -- what these guys are prepared to do is act on the 945 00:50:53,834 --> 00:50:55,004 worst-case scenario. 946 00:50:55,000 --> 00:50:59,330 The action on the ground is to ensure that that doesn't come to pass. 947 00:50:59,333 --> 00:51:01,803 And that's what we're working on right now. 948 00:51:01,800 --> 00:51:02,900 Dr. Lubchenco: Robert, can I answer -- 949 00:51:02,900 --> 00:51:04,200 Mr. Gibbs: Oh, I'm sorry -- 950 00:51:04,200 --> 00:51:07,400 Dr. Lubchenco: One of the responsibilities that NOAA has in this regard 951 00:51:07,400 --> 00:51:10,070 is to stay on top of the weather forecasts and to 952 00:51:10,066 --> 00:51:12,766 do the oil spill trajectories. 953 00:51:12,767 --> 00:51:15,837 We are able to do only a number of days out at a time because 954 00:51:15,834 --> 00:51:18,834 the winds are so variable this time of year. 955 00:51:18,834 --> 00:51:22,134 When the oil first was released from the well, 956 00:51:22,133 --> 00:51:24,303 it stayed in that area. 957 00:51:24,300 --> 00:51:27,500 It went -- the winds have shifted around a number of times 958 00:51:27,500 --> 00:51:31,770 since then, and what we are doing in addition as a federal 959 00:51:31,767 --> 00:51:36,097 family to preparing for the worst possible case, 960 00:51:36,100 --> 00:51:41,270 we are also providing relatively accurate forecasts for a number 961 00:51:41,266 --> 00:51:45,336 of days out with respect to not only the weather but the likely 962 00:51:45,333 --> 00:51:47,533 trajectory of the oil spill. 963 00:51:47,533 --> 00:51:50,703 We're providing that to the federal coordinators in the 964 00:51:50,700 --> 00:51:55,270 region and to the states so that there is ample warning to 965 00:51:55,266 --> 00:51:59,396 prepare and understand where to place buoys and booms. 966 00:51:59,400 --> 00:52:04,570 The Press: At this point, your trajectory shows the oil heading where? 967 00:52:04,567 --> 00:52:08,067 Dr. Lubchenco: It is currently headed -- yes. 968 00:52:08,066 --> 00:52:10,396 The Press: And only there? 969 00:52:10,400 --> 00:52:13,570 Dr. Lubchenco: The current forecast is for it to head here 970 00:52:13,567 --> 00:52:16,637 and then to move up around this area. 971 00:52:16,633 --> 00:52:19,733 But as the winds shift, which they likely do, 972 00:52:19,734 --> 00:52:22,734 that could change. 973 00:52:22,734 --> 00:52:25,904 The Press: You mentioned the briefing with members of Congress last night. 974 00:52:25,900 --> 00:52:29,370 Henry Waxman made an assessment that he felt BP's response to 975 00:52:29,367 --> 00:52:30,937 this wasn't adequate. 976 00:52:30,934 --> 00:52:33,134 I wondered if the administration agrees with him and if 977 00:52:33,133 --> 00:52:35,703 everything that's being said here and the intensifying 978 00:52:35,700 --> 00:52:39,670 government oversight represents an assessment that their plan, 979 00:52:39,667 --> 00:52:41,267 as required by law, is inadequate. 980 00:52:41,266 --> 00:52:42,236 Mr. Gibbs: Let's understand this. 981 00:52:42,233 --> 00:52:47,433 "Intensifying oversight" -- oversight is -- that's not accurate. 982 00:52:47,433 --> 00:52:50,333 We have -- based on the law, the U.S. 983 00:52:50,333 --> 00:52:53,603 government has oversight over this at the moment that it 984 00:52:53,600 --> 00:52:56,700 became an incident, okay? 985 00:52:56,700 --> 00:53:00,670 The President has asked us and asked us last evening, 986 00:53:00,667 --> 00:53:02,637 when we briefed him on the plane, 987 00:53:02,633 --> 00:53:07,363 and asked us again this morning, to ensure that we are being as 988 00:53:07,367 --> 00:53:10,967 aggressive as possible in doing all that we can, 989 00:53:10,967 --> 00:53:16,567 and that any and all resources that might help be deployed as 990 00:53:16,567 --> 00:53:20,367 quickly as possible in order to ensure that what we have doesn't 991 00:53:20,367 --> 00:53:21,337 become worse. 992 00:53:21,333 --> 00:53:26,333 So we are -- that's our focus, is ensuring that each and every 993 00:53:26,333 --> 00:53:27,503 step can be taken. 994 00:53:27,500 --> 00:53:31,770 And that's why the President asked that we -- the Department 995 00:53:31,767 --> 00:53:34,267 of Defense to begin to also look at what possible assets they 996 00:53:34,266 --> 00:53:37,466 have that could ultimately be helpful. 997 00:53:37,467 --> 00:53:39,497 The Press: So is BP's plan adequate, then, 998 00:53:39,500 --> 00:53:40,630 in the administration's view? 999 00:53:40,633 --> 00:53:43,503 Mr. Gibbs: Well, at the moment, I think you heard Rear Admiral 1000 00:53:43,500 --> 00:53:48,400 say right now they are responding, 1001 00:53:48,400 --> 00:53:51,100 we are overseeing that, and evaluating, 1002 00:53:51,100 --> 00:53:57,670 as conditions change, whether that needs to change as well. 1003 00:53:57,667 --> 00:53:58,137 Yes, sir. 1004 00:53:58,133 --> 00:54:00,663 The Press: As this investigation continues over what caused this, 1005 00:54:00,667 --> 00:54:03,837 are other rigs or other wells in the region being looked at or 1006 00:54:03,834 --> 00:54:08,264 impacted in a way to prevent the problem from compounding? 1007 00:54:08,266 --> 00:54:10,566 Deputy Secretary Hayes: Yes, is the answer. 1008 00:54:10,567 --> 00:54:14,367 Per my earlier statement, we are increasing our inspection 1009 00:54:14,367 --> 00:54:15,137 frequency. 1010 00:54:15,133 --> 00:54:17,303 We have a SWAT team of inspectors. 1011 00:54:17,300 --> 00:54:20,730 We have 55 -- the Department of the Interior Minerals Management 1012 00:54:20,734 --> 00:54:24,164 Service has 55 inspectors on the ground, in the Gulf, 1013 00:54:24,166 --> 00:54:26,566 dedicated to this task. 1014 00:54:26,567 --> 00:54:29,837 So, yes, inspections are proceeding. 1015 00:54:29,834 --> 00:54:32,334 The Press: This particular rig was inspected how many times, 1016 00:54:32,333 --> 00:54:33,303 and did it pass? 1017 00:54:33,300 --> 00:54:34,800 Deputy Secretary Hayes: Yes, yes, it was. 1018 00:54:34,800 --> 00:54:36,530 It was -- this particular rig started drilling in this 1019 00:54:36,533 --> 00:54:38,833 location in January of this year. 1020 00:54:38,834 --> 00:54:42,804 Under the regulations, it's subject to monthly inspections. 1021 00:54:42,800 --> 00:54:45,230 It had monthly inspections, in fact, 1022 00:54:45,233 --> 00:54:50,763 with the last inspection being less than two weeks before the incident. 1023 00:54:50,767 --> 00:54:54,137 The Press: I'm sorry, does that suggest that inspections are 1024 00:54:54,133 --> 00:54:56,563 inadequate if they didn't find something two weeks ago? 1025 00:54:56,567 --> 00:54:57,797 Deputy Secretary Hayes: No, we don't think so. 1026 00:54:57,800 --> 00:55:00,730 Mr. Gibbs: Again, I think it's hard to determine until you 1027 00:55:00,734 --> 00:55:04,204 determine the cause of what the incident was. 1028 00:55:04,200 --> 00:55:07,300 The Press: I have a question about the slick itself, though. 1029 00:55:07,300 --> 00:55:09,800 First, what's the correct terminology in the White House 1030 00:55:09,800 --> 00:55:11,530 or the administration's view at this point, 1031 00:55:11,533 --> 00:55:14,903 because on Monday you guys had referred to it as surface oil sheen? 1032 00:55:14,900 --> 00:55:18,400 Is that still, with the 5,000-barrel-a-day estimate, 1033 00:55:18,400 --> 00:55:19,400 the way to look at this? 1034 00:55:19,400 --> 00:55:21,870 And if I went out there into the middle of it -- 1035 00:55:21,867 --> 00:55:23,097 Mr. Gibbs: Would not be advisable. 1036 00:55:23,100 --> 00:55:24,270 (laughter) 1037 00:55:24,266 --> 00:55:25,996 The Press: Right, but are we talking about something -- 1038 00:55:26,000 --> 00:55:29,430 "sheen" sounds somewhat trivial, compared to what we remember 1039 00:55:29,433 --> 00:55:33,433 from the Exxon Valdez, which is gads and gobs of thick crude oil 1040 00:55:33,433 --> 00:55:34,603 coming up onshore. 1041 00:55:34,600 --> 00:55:37,730 Is that what we see as a potential here, 1042 00:55:37,734 --> 00:55:40,864 or are we talking about a thin slick of oil that might come 1043 00:55:40,867 --> 00:55:41,197 onto the shore? 1044 00:55:41,200 --> 00:55:43,130 Secretary Napolitano: It is all of that. 1045 00:55:43,133 --> 00:55:48,433 In parts it is thick enough to be able to skim and to move into 1046 00:55:48,433 --> 00:55:50,733 a boom for burning. 1047 00:55:50,734 --> 00:55:56,064 In parts, as the oil -- as time has gone on, 1048 00:55:56,066 --> 00:56:01,296 some of it has formed into balls and a large part of it is sheen. 1049 00:56:01,300 --> 00:56:05,870 And then there are different types of sheen depending on thickness. 1050 00:56:05,867 --> 00:56:08,267 If you want the technical definitions, 1051 00:56:08,266 --> 00:56:11,766 I think we can arrange to get that information to you. 1052 00:56:11,767 --> 00:56:15,497 But it's all of those different types. 1053 00:56:15,500 --> 00:56:17,600 Dr. Lubchenco: I think it's useful to note that the oil 1054 00:56:17,600 --> 00:56:20,230 that's being released is a light to medium crude, 1055 00:56:20,233 --> 00:56:23,063 so it's a different type of oil than that released in the Exxon 1056 00:56:23,066 --> 00:56:24,936 Valdez spill. 1057 00:56:24,934 --> 00:56:28,564 When it first emerges it's in a much more liquid form. 1058 00:56:28,567 --> 00:56:34,037 As it is exposed to weathering for a number of days it takes on 1059 00:56:34,033 --> 00:56:35,663 a different texture. 1060 00:56:35,667 --> 00:56:38,597 Much of the oil is volatilized. 1061 00:56:38,600 --> 00:56:42,570 And so the oil that we anticipate coming ashore, 1062 00:56:42,567 --> 00:56:47,167 for example, is more likely to be in the form of mats or 1063 00:56:47,166 --> 00:56:48,996 strings or tar-balls. 1064 00:56:49,000 --> 00:56:52,300 So it does change through time. 1065 00:56:52,300 --> 00:56:56,330 And the oil that is -- has dispersants applied to it 1066 00:56:56,333 --> 00:57:00,933 becomes emulsified and is pulled away from the surface and down 1067 00:57:00,934 --> 00:57:02,134 in subsurface. 1068 00:57:02,133 --> 00:57:04,533 So you would see different things in different places. 1069 00:57:04,533 --> 00:57:06,733 It's not a uniform slick. 1070 00:57:06,734 --> 00:57:08,234 Mr. Gibbs: Last one here. Yes. 1071 00:57:08,233 --> 00:57:10,263 The Press: Secretary Napolitano, you come, of course, 1072 00:57:10,266 --> 00:57:12,936 from Arizona, a landlocked state. 1073 00:57:12,934 --> 00:57:15,534 I'm curious -- I'm sure you've never dealt with anything like 1074 00:57:15,533 --> 00:57:19,763 this before in your tenure as governor of Arizona -- has this 1075 00:57:19,767 --> 00:57:24,767 been a steep learning curve for you as Homeland Security Secretary? 1076 00:57:24,767 --> 00:57:28,037 Secretary Napolitano: In terms of the terminology and the 1077 00:57:28,033 --> 00:57:30,103 technology, yes. 1078 00:57:30,100 --> 00:57:34,970 In terms of managing an incident that involves multiple federal 1079 00:57:34,967 --> 00:57:38,597 agencies and the intersect with state and locals, 1080 00:57:38,600 --> 00:57:42,470 we've already been through several of those in my tenure 1081 00:57:42,467 --> 00:57:44,397 as Homeland Security Secretary. 1082 00:57:44,400 --> 00:57:46,070 Mr. Gibbs: Thanks, guys. 1083 00:57:46,066 --> 00:57:47,936 The Press: Can we do immigration? 1084 00:57:47,934 --> 00:57:50,504 The Press: Are you finished? 1085 00:57:50,500 --> 00:57:53,270 Mr. Gibbs: Yes, we're finished, because the President is going 1086 00:57:53,266 --> 00:57:55,896 to speak shortly and we want to make sure you're ready for that. 1087 00:57:55,900 --> 00:57:57,200 The Press: Any chance he'll speak on this? 1088 00:57:57,200 --> 00:57:59,170 Mr. Gibbs: What's that? 1089 00:57:59,166 --> 00:58:00,736 The Press: Do you think he'll speak on this subject? 1090 00:58:00,734 --> 00:58:02,864 Mr. Gibbs: I think he might speak on this. 1091 00:58:02,867 --> 00:58:04,267 I want to go check on that. 1092 00:58:04,266 --> 00:58:06,336 That's why I want to let you guys go a little early. 1093 00:58:06,333 --> 00:58:08,463 If you guys have immigration questions, 1094 00:58:08,467 --> 00:58:09,797 I'm happy to come up there and answer them. 1095 00:58:09,800 --> 00:58:12,930 Again, I would point you also to what the President said last night. 1096 00:58:12,934 --> 00:58:14,104 The Press: Robert, one thing. 1097 00:58:14,100 --> 00:58:16,770 What does the investigation - the investigation, 1098 00:58:16,767 --> 00:58:19,697 could it be natural causes, could it be operator error, 1099 00:58:19,700 --> 00:58:20,970 could it be sabotage? 1100 00:58:20,967 --> 00:58:23,667 I mean, are you looking at all those -- 1101 00:58:23,667 --> 00:58:26,297 Mr. Gibbs: Well, again, we don't know what the cause is, 1102 00:58:26,300 --> 00:58:31,230 so we're looking at -- determining what that cause 1103 00:58:31,233 --> 00:58:37,633 is and obviously looking at anything. 1104 00:58:37,633 --> 00:58:42,033 I don't want to get into the specifics of some of the things 1105 00:58:42,033 --> 00:58:46,033 you just mentioned, but, again, we've got to figure out what 1106 00:58:46,033 --> 00:58:48,863 happened, and that's currently ongoing. 1107 00:58:48,867 --> 00:58:49,697 The Press: So, let me understand this. 1108 00:58:49,700 --> 00:58:51,200 When you say we're looking at anything, 1109 00:58:51,200 --> 00:58:53,070 is sabotage a possibility? 1110 00:58:53,066 --> 00:58:54,096 Mr. Gibbs: April, let's not -- 1111 00:58:54,100 --> 00:58:56,370 The Press: No, no, no, I asked you that -- you said all three. 1112 00:58:56,367 --> 00:58:57,867 I want to be clear on this. 1113 00:58:57,867 --> 00:59:02,097 Mr. Gibbs: Well, let me -- I do not want to get into the 1114 00:59:02,100 --> 00:59:05,230 delineation of what might have caused something we don't know 1115 00:59:05,233 --> 00:59:06,833 what happened. 1116 00:59:06,834 --> 00:59:10,934 Let's determine, before we get off on to conspiracy theories, 1117 00:59:10,934 --> 00:59:12,664 let's determine what happened. 1118 00:59:12,667 --> 00:59:14,067 And we'll have a chance to talk about it. 1119 00:59:14,066 --> 00:59:15,666 The Press: Do you think that the President is going to be 1120 00:59:15,667 --> 00:59:18,337 speaking -- making some remarks at the top of the Teacher of the Year? 1121 00:59:18,333 --> 00:59:19,463 Mr. Gibbs: That's what I'm going to go check on. 1122 00:59:19,467 --> 00:59:20,267 Thank you, guys.