Salazar on Plan to Split Oil Agency

The Minerals Management Service sets offshore safety standards. But it's also a cash cow that brings in $13 billion a year from oil drilling leases.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's proposal would split the agency in two, following a regulatory model used by Norway and Australia. He said at a press conference today that one part would handle oil leases, the other safety. APM

Salazar doesn't need congressional approval to split the agency.