AP source: Interior report to call for tougher rules on drilling, inspections

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AP source: Report to call for tougher drill rules

WASHINGTON — An administration official says a report ordered by President Barack Obama is expected to call for tougher safety requirements for offshore drilling and a stronger inspections regime.

The Interior Department report will be delivered to Obama on Thursday and he will discuss its findings. Obama ordered the 30-day review of offshore drilling safety procedures after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and said no new drilling leases would be allowed until it was concluded and its recommendations implemented.

An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of the release of report, said it would conclude that some new safety protocols needed to be put into place.

Obama will travel to the Gulf on Friday.