Interior and EPA trade shots on drilling

TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2002

In April, an Environmental Protection Agency official gave a Department of Interior coalbed methane drilling study the worst rating possible.

On the very same day, a senior Interior official did the same to the EPA. Tom Fulton criticized an EPA report for not adequately addressing how coalbed methane drilling affects Indian Country.

But while the negative rating drew the ire of Deputy Interior Secretary J. Steven Griles, there is no evidence which suggests the same of the EPA. Griles has recused himself from future drilling plans affecting the Powder River Basin.

Get the Story:
Interior entry into EPA case criticized (AP 5/14)

Related Stories:
Griles backs out on future drilling (5/10)
Griles discounts meeting invite (5/6)
Impact of drilling ruling considered (5/3)
Methane drilling study discussed (5/2)
Industry opposed to gas ruling (5/1)
Coalbed methane leases ruled illegal(4/30)
Griles accused of intimidation (4/25)
Coalbed methane drilling pushed (4/5)
Tribes host coalbed methane meetings (4/4)
Halt in methane drilling sought (2/21)
Coal methane plan released (2/20)
EPA meets with tribes on drilling (2/14)
Mont. tribe pushing water standards (1/23)
Mont. tribe developing water standards (12/20)
Methane standards to affect tribes (9/26)