The drilling moratorium enacted after the BP oil spill applies only to the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Yet energy exploration in the Gulf's shallow waters has come to a virtual standstill as drillers grapple with tougher U.S. federal rules since the spill.

The pace at which regulators grant drilling permits in water less than 500 feet (150 meters) deep slowed sharply this summer, an Associated Press analysis of government data shows. Just four of 10 shallow-water drilling applications were approved from June through August; 15 applications were sought and approved in the same period last year.

Environmental groups are encouraged. But drilling executives say the new rules, which require them to ...

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