Louisiana official wants end to curbs on media reporting of Gulf spill; plans letter to Obama

Louisiana official blasts restrictions on media

MYRTLE GROVE, La. — An outspoken Louisiana official wants the Coast Guard to lift restrictions on news organizations covering the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Plaquemines (PLACK-uh-mihnz) Parish President Billy Nungesser told The Associated Press Thursday he’s drafting a letter to the Coast Guard, BP and President Obama.

He opposes a recent rule keeping the public and media about 65 feet from containment boom and vessels participating in the cleanup.

Nungesser says the only way to maintain public confidence in the cleanup is to make it as transparent as possible.

Calls to BP and the Coast Guard were not immediately returned.

Officials have said the restrictions were created to protect boom from being vandalized or damaged.