ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13543Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13543

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

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

Impact dates

  1. Commission terminates

  2. 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

Timeline

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