The Obama administration yesterday (August 31st) outlined new rules that will prevent regulators from developing ties with the oil and gas industry.

The new rules, set down by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, will also force regulators to recuse themselves from oversight duties where companies involved employ close friends or family.

Announcing the initiative, the bureau's director Michael Bromwich said that current crossovers between regulators and industry are unacceptable.

"They work in oil and gas companies offshore, and then come and work for us, and in some cases go back. That's problematic," he said, speaking to the Wall Street Journal.

However, a spokesperson for the National Ocean Industries Association, said that it will be equally important for the administration to provide additional funding for training and pay for regulatory inspectors.

In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon spill, President Obama also placed a moratorium on all new drilling in US waters, pending safety investigations.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development