The Department of Interior denies its approval of a large drilling project in New Mexico is tied to Deputy Secretary J. Steven Griles.

Griles was a lobbyist for Yates Petroleum and his former company, National Environmental Strategies, represented Yates, which is part of a family-owned conglomerate that includes two drilling businesses. One of those businesses is planning to drill oil and gas wells in the Otero Mesa of New Mexico against opposition from ranchers, hunters and the state's governor.

Griles came under fire for questionable dealings with former clients. A report by the department's inspector general said ethics and legal staff were unable to deal with the "train wreck" posed by his appointment to the top position.

Get the Story:
Family Gas Empire vs. Governor on a Mesa Out West (The New York Times 4/16)
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Inspector General Report:
J. Steven Griles Investigation (March 2004)

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