Obama tightens regulations on oil industry

US president Barak Obama has tightened regulations on the oil industry as he responds to environmentalists over air pollution concerns.

The president was careful not to tread on the oil and gas companies too much, however, providing concessions in return for pollution cooperation. Many of the amendments made by Obama will not come into force until the start of 2015, leaving companies with plenty of room to manoeuvre until then.

Obama is clearly trying to appease two sides of a very aggressive coin. With an election coming up, it is clear that his administration will not want to upset either side too much. Therefore, he has given concessions to the oil industry, as well as ensuring that environmentalists groups are happy over the new rules.

Gina McCarthy, an assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, said: "The standards are practice, flexible, affordable and achievable."

One of the primary areas of negotiations was over fracking. This is a process that has sparked the American energy boom, and Obama will look to ensure that red tape does not get in the way of any progress made in this industry. However, the technique has been widely criticised by environmental groups, which is why the president has responded with piecemeal action.

Posted by Claire Manning