FACTLESS "FOAMER" LEVIN

He just claimed that the Obama Administration still prohibits new drilling in the Gulf.  Here are the facts:

Status of Gulf of Mexico Well Permits

Shallow water: To date, 117 new shallow water well permits have been issued since the implementation of new safety and environmental standards on June 8, 2010. Just 8 of these permits are currently pending; with 7 having been returned to the operator for more information.

Deepwater permits requiring subsea containment: Since an applicant first successfully demonstrated containment capabilities in mid-February 2011, we have approved 329 of these permits for 99 unique wells, with 28  permits pending, and 21 permits returned to the operator with requests for additional information, particularly information regarding containment.

Deepwater activities not requiring subsea containment: Since the implementation of new safety and environmental standards, 62 of these permits have been approved, with 2 permits pending, and 1 permit returned to the operator with requests for additional information.