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EO 13543Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13543

National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling

Energy & EnvironmentEnergy & EnvironmentDemocracy & GovernanceDemocracy & GovernanceEconomy & LaborEconomy & Labor

In simple terms

This executive order establishes a seven-member presidential commission to investigate the causes of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and recommend reforms to prevent future offshore drilling disasters. The commission must submit a final public report within six months of its first meeting and terminates 60 days after doing so.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 29397

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 75 FR 29397

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Commission terminates

  4. Final public report to President due

Key directives

  • Establish National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling
  • Appoint not more than 7 members with diverse expertise
  • Designate two Co-Chairs
  • Examine root causes of Deepwater Horizon disaster
  • Develop options for guarding against and mitigating future offshore drilling spills
  • Submit final public report within 6 months of first meeting
  • Hold public hearings and request information from federal, state, local, and private entities
  • Obtain cooperation from executive department heads
  • Avoid duplicating other investigations
  • Ensure no interference with ongoing civil/criminal investigations or cost recovery efforts
  • Consult with Department of Justice on activities
  • Terminate 60 days after submitting final report

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

  • Commission establishment
  • Presidential appointment of up to 7 members and 2 Co-Chairs

Near term (90d)

  • Commission first meeting (implied prerequisite for 6-month deadline)
  • Public hearings begin
  • Information requests to agencies and stakeholders

Long term

  • Final report submission (within 6 months of first meeting)
  • Commission termination (60 days after final report)
  • Potential congressional or regulatory action on recommendations

Risks & tensions

  • 6-month reporting deadline measured from first meeting date, not signing date—actual date uncertain
  • Commission termination 60 days after report limits time for follow-through or congressional testimony
  • Coordination risk with DOJ to avoid interfering with criminal investigations
  • Dependent on appropriations for funding and staffing
  • Potential tension between industry and environmental community representatives on panel
Executive Order 13543: National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling · Executive Orders