Jay Daniels: Indian Country forced to choose among two evils

Another example of this problem occurred when an investigation in 1989 by the select committee of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs into allegations Koch Oil, the largest purchaser of Indian oil in the country, was engaged in a widespread and sophisticated scheme to steal crude oil from Indians and others through fraudulent under measuring and reporting.

The Committee sent its investigators into the field to conduct covert surveillance and caught Koch stealing from Indians on six separate occasions. By further investigation, the Committee determined that Koch was engaged in a systematic theft, stealing millions in Oklahoma alone. (Senate Committee Report in 101st Congress, 1st Session SENATE 101-216) The committee issued its report in 1989 and found “Koch Oil was engaged in a widespread and sophisticated scheme to steal crude oil from Indians and others through fraudulent mismeasuring and misreporting.” No criminal charges were filed by the U.S. Department of Justice even though a Grand Jury was convened.

The conservation and preservation of the environment is first and foremost in mineral developments. This issue comes down to adhering to the strengthening and enforcement of statutory and regulatory mandates in order to be more efficient. But none of these mandates will work without adequate funding, staffing and tougher standards for developing oil and gas. according to data from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

So, which is the lesser of the two evils? A tough decision, but one that needs to be made.