"Today 80 percent of all the oil that comes out of the Gulf is from 1,000 feet or more and today almost a third of it is more than 5,000 feet below the surface. What hasn't happened is the safety and the ability to respond to a negative event such as this blowout, has been far outrun by the technology of drilling itself. We need to close that gap"

This quote by Bob Graham is referring to the oil drilling industry in the Gulf of Mexico. He is highlighting the fact that the technology used to drill for oil has actually advanced considerably, with 80 percent of the oil originating from depths of 1,000 feet or more and a 3rd of it coming from depths of 5,000 feet or more. However, the precaution and ability to react to a negative occasion such as a blowout have actually not stayed up to date with the technology. Graham is requiring the gap in between the innovation and safety measures to be closed in order to avoid future disasters. He is stressing the significance of safety and the need for the industry to take obligation for the possible risks associated with deep-sea drilling.