BP's oil spill is being investigated

"The panel agreed with about 90 percent of the findings of BP's internal investigation of the accident released this summer. BP's report assigned much of the blame for the accident to its drilling partners." [Reuters]

At the same time, the panel said that BP had failed to foster a culture of safety and had made a "rush to completion" in the days before the April 20 explosion: "They said the company was hurried and made confusing, last-minute changes to plans that were unusual in the complex environment of deep water. They said BP could have operated more safely if the company took the time to get the necessary equipment and materials." [AP]

One of BP's partners, defense giant Halliburton, has rejected allegations that its cement job on BP's well was shoddy. [The Hill]

Tuesday's hearings will include ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson and Marvin Odum, head of Royal Dutch Shell’s U.S. operations, who will discuss industry safety practices.