FROM THE ARCHIVE

It pays to be Bush's friend

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APRIL 4, 2001

One of the members of President George W. Bush's transition team has been given a job in the Department of Interior, Secretary Gale Norton announced on Tuesday.

If all goes well, P. Lynn Scarlett will soon be the Interior's newest Assistant Secretary. Not for Indian Affairs (Bush hasn't named Kevin Gover's successor just yet), but for Policy, Management and Budget.

Like Spencer Abraham who is now Secretary of Energy, Scarlett functioned as one of Bush's environmental and energy advisers during the transition period between the election and the departure of Bill Clinton. These advisers are now being rewarded with jobs in the new administration.

Another member of Bush's transition team, Tom Cole, is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. He is being considered for the Indian Affairs job.

As for Scarlett, her job will be provising financial oversight at the Interior. She'd also be responsible for personnel and policy.

Says Norton: "Throughout her career, Lynn Scarlett has developed and implemented innovative partnerships between government, environmental groups, industry and everyday citizens committed to protecting and conserving our environment. Lynn will open lines of communication between the Interior Department and all people who pledge to preserve our nation's treasures, species and habitat while keeping our prosperity moving forward."

Scarlett conducted one of the first interviews with Norton after her confirmation. Among other positions, Scarlett is the host of the "New Environmentalism" section of Tech Central Station, a website which bills itself as the place where "free markets meet technology."

Yesterday's announcement brings the total number of positions named at the Interior to three. Scarlett's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

Get Norton's Announcement:
Norton Announces Intention to Nominate Lynn Scarlett as Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget (DOI 4/3)

Relevant Links:
Office of Policy, Management, and Budget - http://www.doi.gov/policy-management-budget.html
Tech Central Station - http://www.techcentralstation.com/Index.asp

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Norton makes case for Arctic drilling (Enviro 02/13)
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