"Gale Norton's resignation as U.S. Interior secretary likely won't affect the government's pro-development policies, but it raises uncertainty about other important issues.

Norton's support for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge reflected President Bush's own views. Her push for more oil and gas development on the West's public lands responded to Vice President Cheney's 2001 energy plan. Her refusal to ban snowmobiles from Yellowstone National Park bowed to the wishes of Wyoming's members of Congress, all Bush loyalists. The fingerprints of the Office of Management and Budget are on the plan to sell a half-million acres of public lands to raise money for the federal treasury. The White House no doubt will expect similar support from her successor.

Norton also leaves behind unfinished business. For over a century, the government has mismanaged Indian-owned assets such as energy royalties and grazing leases, but Norton missed several potential opportunities to resolve the complex litigation. Her successor should negotiate a settlement of the lawsuit."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Norton's resignation leaves work undone (The Denver Post 3/11)

Trust Reform Legislation:
S.1439 | H.R.4322

Elouise Cobell Letter:
Dear Lawmakers (February 23, 2006)

Jim Cason Letter:
Dear Tribal Leader (January 26, 2006)

Cobell Court Fees:
Memorandum and Order (December 19, 2005)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Cobell v. Norton, Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/cobell/index.htm
National Congress of American Indians - http://www.ncai.org
Intertribal Trust Fund Monitoring Association - http://www.itmatrustfunds.org

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