To be sure, the dual impact of Ensco and the spill control system is potentially significant as these powerful weapons could help break the permit logjam.

FORBES: A Decisive Moment for the Energy Industry: Political Agendas Roil Murky Waters Four Months after Gulf Drilling Ban Lifted

In the past two years I've written blog after blog warning that the crisis would spill out of control.

BBC: Euro talks: The last signal before the storm?

BP's repeated failures to control the spill have angered politicians, the public and the company's own shareholders.

WSJ: BP Promises to Keep Money Flowing to Gulf Residents

The comments come amid increasing frustration at the company's inability control the spill, which began late April when a drilling rig working for BP exploded and sank.

WSJ: BP Promises to Keep Money Flowing to Gulf Residents

Controlling the damage from the current spill is partly beyond human control.

ECONOMIST: A slick off America's coast

The oil spill was eventually discovered by a local utility worker and reported to Enbridge's control center, where the flow was stopped.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Joe shares after the spill, which have since rebounded as 29% owner Fairholme Funds won a struggle for control of the firm.

FORBES: St. Joe Oil-Spill Lawsuit Vs. Transocean Ordered Back To State Court

Second, an industry consortium called the Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC) announced that it is ready to quickly deploy a system that can control up to 60, 000 barrels of oil per day in the event of an underwater well spill.

FORBES: A Decisive Moment for the Energy Industry: Political Agendas Roil Murky Waters Four Months after Gulf Drilling Ban Lifted