In fact, most of the highly precautionary laws and regulations currently on the books include some form of risk assessment that error on the side of caution, building in a host of safety factors that substantially overestimate exposure to justify regulatory actions that may not be necessary.
An Interior spokeswoman confirmed late Thursday that the MMS rescinded the permits for Phoenix and Bandon "out of caution" and "to ensure that new drilling activities are consistent with" new federal safety requirements.