Griles backs out on future drilling

FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2002

Deputy Interior Secretary J. Steven Griles won't deal with future coalbed methane studies in the Powder River Basin.

Griles worked for a law firm which represented oil and gas companies with interests in the region, the Associated Press reported. Clients weren't specified but an environmentalist speculated on some names.

Griles came under fire for trying to suppress an Environmental Protection Agency memo critical of a methane study. The EPA gave the Bureau of Land Management document its worst rating possible.

Get the Story:
Official retreats from EPA study row (AP 5/10)

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