New procedure to capture oil has risks

BP unveiled a plan to boost the amount of oil it's siphoning from a ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico. It's sending more vessels to the site to increase its ability to capture oil, going from 15,000 barrels a day to more than 50,000 barrels by the end of this month and as much as 80,000 barrels a day by mid-July. Plans call for attaching a pipe to a part of the blowout preventer used in the failed "top kill" effort, and burning off any retrieved oil. But BP says the "junk" fired into the blowout preventer during top kill could clog the lines, which are not intended for continuous use and could erode. (Sources: Multiple, including Reuters, Christian Science Monitor, 06/14/10) President Barack Obama is in the Gulf Coast for a two-day visit. He warned of hard times to come, but also touted the region's continued viability for tourists. (Sources: Multiple, including Los Angeles Times, 06/14/10) Obama will address the nation Tuesday and Wednesday will meet with BP executives. The Deepwater Horizon blew up April 20, killing 11 workers. The spill has soiled 120 miles of coastline, damaged the fishing and tourism industry and has killed birds, sea turtles and dolphins.