Obama expected to address oil rig safety

WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama is expected to announce Thursday a moratorium on new deepwater oil drilling permits will be extended for six months, the White House said.

Obama also is expected to announce lease sales off the Alaskan coast will be delayed pending the results of a presidential commission's investigation and lease sales planned for the western Gulf of Mexico and off the Virginia coast will be canceled, the aide told The Washington Post.

The New York Times reported Wednesday Obama was expected to unveil a more rigorous offshore oil rig inspection procedure and call for tougher safety measures, officials indicated.

The White House daily guidance indicated Obama "will deliver remarks and take questions in the East Room."

Obama also will greet the NCAA men's basketball champion Duke Blue Devils to honor the team's 2009-10 season and make remarks in the Rose Garden, the White House said.

Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton will pose for pictures with the U.S. World Cup Soccer Thursday, the schedule indicated.

Obama also will be briefed on the 2010 hurricane season forecast and an overview of the federal government's national hurricane preparedness.