General Accountability Office (GAO)

A network of more than 1,600 offshore facilities produces a significant portion of US domestic oil and gas. The facilities, which rely on technology to remotely monitor and control equipment, face a growing risk of cyberattacks.

On 20 April 2010, a kick and blowout in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in a series of explosions that killed 11 people and started an environmental disaster. Now, 11 years later, government and industry continue the drive to improve safety.

GAO believes BOEM often undervalues its tracts offered to operators in offshore lease sales.

According to a report published by the Government Accountability Office, the Transportation Security Administration employs only six full-time staffers for its pipeline security branch.