"Sen. Landrieu Blocks OMB Nominee in Bid to End Deepwater Drilling Moratorium"

"Louisiana Democrat Mary Landrieu [Thursday] vowed to block the Senate's confirmation of a top White House nominee until the Obama administration takes action on its deepwater drilling moratorium.

Landrieu said she would block Jack Lew's path to becoming director of the White House Office of Management and Budget until the drilling moratorium is lifted or 'significantly modified.' ...

Landrieu has been a staunch opponent of the moratorium, citing its devastating economic impact on coastal communities that rely on the oil and gas industry. The Obama administration imposed a six-month moratorium in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill this summer. That drilling ban was overturned in federal court, but Interior Secretary Ken Salazar quickly imposed a second one, which is still in effect."

Katie Howell reports for Greenwire September 23, 2010.