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FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2003

The PBS show "Now With Bill Moyers" is airing an program on Deputy Interior Secretary J. Steven Griles.

Griles is a former lobbyist for the mining industry. The show reports on his ties to former clients and his contact with them while working for the Bush administration.

"NOW examines Griles' record at the Interior Department and scrutinizes the apparent conflicts of interest that has one environmental group documenting his every move," the program description reads.

According to various news reports, Griles recused himself from matters dealing with former clients. But on at least one occasion -- coalbed methane drilling in the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming -- he made decisions affecting their interests.

Griles said he has cleared all his meetings with DOI ethics staff. DOI's Inspector General, however, is investigating whether procedures were handled correctly.

Griles also tells The Denver Post that he met with former clients only to tell them he couldn't meet with them.

Get the Story:
Interior's No. 2 man accused of conflict (The Denver Post 5/30)

Relevant Links:
Now With Bill Moyers - http://www.pbs.org/now
Interior Department Watchdog, Friends of the Earth - http://www.foe.org/camps/eco/interior/index.html

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Griles activity prompts ethics query by senator (04/11)
Griles still getting paid for lobbying work (4/3)
DOI clears Griles of wrongdoing in mine case (03/13)
Griles pledges to overturn mining regulations (02/11)
Griles met with former industry clients (09/25)
Griles nearly perjured himself (9/18)
Recusal didn't bar Griles involvement (5/27)
Worst rating goes to DOI study (5/17)
Interior and EPA trade shots on drilling (5/14)
Griles backs out on future drilling (5/10)
Griles discounts meeting invite (5/6)
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