The oil industry at large is communicating about its safety record and the role the industry plays in the US economy as BP still struggles to stop the unprecedented oil spill and policymakers question the function of current regulations.

More than 45 days ago, the BP-leased Deepwater Horizon rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico.

While BP's response has focused on providing access to CEO Tony Hayward and immediate updates using social media channels, the industry is using similar tactics ...