Job Losses from Drill Ban Limited, Administration Says

President Barack Obama’s moratorium on deep-water drilling is costing no more than 8,000 to 12,000 jobs because offshore rig operators have retained skilled workers, according to an administration report.

During the moratorium, which began May 28, the average number of rig workers fell by about 2,000 and spending by drillers is declining by $1.8 billion, according to the report released today. The additional job losses were from companies that service drilling rigs and businesses along the Gulf Coast.