AP source: Obama to extend moratorium on some oil offshore drilling leases

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AP source: Obama to extend lease moratorium

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is expected to announce an extension Thursday of a moratorium on some offshore oil drilling leases enacted in the wake of the devastating Gulf oil spill.

It will be one of various recommendations aimed at ensuring the safety of drilling offshore, particularly in deep ocean waters, that Obama will announce after receiving a safety report he ordered from Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

The recommendations are also expected to tighten up safety regulations on granting leases and inspecting rigs. Some details were provided by a Democratic official who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of Thursday’s announcement.

Obama will disclose the recommendations and take questions from reporters a day ahead of visiting the Gulf on Friday.