Command structure-
"Much of the command structure for a spill response is dictated by law. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 mandates the structure of a National Response Team, now headed by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano: a National Incident Commander Adm. Allen; and an on-site coordinator, Coast Guard Adm. Mary Landry.
"But that law gives BP primary responsibility to prepare for such an event: lining up contractors to supply boom and skimmers and deploying them when needed, then controlling any accident and cleaning it up."
There were delays, said BP, in getting boom from warehouses, etc.

Local officials in Louisiana said the federal effort was uncoordinated and undirected. Anger is building over what is regarded as failure to realize the magnitude of the problem on the part of the government.
Wall Street Journal, "Frustration, Fury, Greet Obama in Gulf," J. Weisman and L. Meckler, May 28, 2010.

Is The Oil Pollution Act to some extent a strait-jacket?

The news conference merely repeated the bad news reported earlier today in the Houston papers.

The offset drilling, not to be completed until August, unfortunately may be the only solution.