National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling Federal government officials and representatives of BP on the status of the spill and clean-up efforts, as well as from local officials, community leaders, and scientists on the economic, cultural, and ecological impacts of the oil spill on Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. On October 6, 2010 the commission released preliminary reports criticizing the Obama administration for mismanagement of its response to the "Deepwater Horizon" oil spill. Amongst other things cited were, not being fully candid with the American people, and giving the impression of not being fully competent. On January 11, 2011, the commission released its final report, with
Reactions to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of one of the country's leading companies", to President Obama (text of letter) that expressed a concern over "double standards" compared to the sub-prime based banking crisis of 2007–2010 and over "prejudicial and personal" comments in the media. Initially BP downplayed the incident; CEO Tony Hayward called the amount of oil and dispersant "relatively tiny" in comparison with the "very big ocean." Hayward also initially stated that the environmental effect of the Gulf spill would likely be "very very modest." Later, he said that the spill was a disruption to Gulf Coast residents and himself adding, "You know, I'd like