Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Bush Cabinet Member in Criminal Inquiry

Interior secretary gave Shell big contracts, then took job with firm

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2009 6:40 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into whether Gale Norton illegally used her power as secretary of the Interior to obtain three oil contracts for Royal Dutch Shell—which only months later hired her as a legal counsel. The 2006 decision to award Shell leases on oil-rich federal land in Colorado stands to net billions of dollars over several years. Norton resigned from the Cabinet two months later, and soon after was working for the company.

Justice took the case after the Interior Department interviewed numerous employees and concluded there was enough evidence for a criminal probe. When the contracts were awarded, critics blasted Norton for giving Shell three contracts, even though they were intended to go to companies testing a variety of methods. Norton, Bush's first Interior secretary, represented oil and mining companies as a lawyer before joining the Cabinet and was known for her business-friendly approach—although she preferred the term "cooperative conservation."

Gale Norton, then secretary of the Interior, at the Statue of Liberty, March 30, 2004 in New York City. Norton is the focus of a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.
Gale Norton, then secretary of the Interior, at the Statue of Liberty, March 30, 2004 in New York City. Norton is the focus of a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.   (Getty Images)
Shell CEO Jeroen van der Veer listens during a press conference in The Hague earlier this year.
Shell CEO Jeroen van der Veer listens during a press conference in The Hague earlier this year.   (AP Photo/ Fred Ernst)
Gale Norton at a Washington press conference in 2004. Her department gave Shell three oil contracts in Colorado months before she joined the oil company as a legal counsel.
Gale Norton at a Washington press conference in 2004. Her department gave Shell three oil contracts in Colorado months before she joined the oil company as a legal counsel.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 32 comments
Guest
Sep 22, 2009 6:42 AM CDT
Yeah, she only gave them billions. That's not as bad as owing some tens of thousands in taxes. Although both should be treated according to the law. I did notice all the conservatives protesting the fiscal waste here...NOT!
mehrheit
Sep 17, 2009 10:23 PM CDT
Well, it's a darn good thing you added Dodd, Geithner, and Pelosi on the end there. Otherwise, people might have gotten the idea that you were a racist. Nicely played Buh, nicely played.
Shannonals
Sep 17, 2009 9:25 PM CDT
2013 dontlikeyou? Is that how Republicans rationalize everything by talking about what could possibly happen in a few years. Federal employees are stirctly forbidden to work for contractors with whom they have had a working relationship with in the past. It's a fact, not an opinion.

 
Bush administration • Department of Justice • Cabinet • Shell • Royal Dutch Shell • secretary of the Interior • Gale Norton

More Newser Stories

Cheney: Wilson Mission Was CIA 'Amateur Hour'

Cheney on Plame Leak: I Can't Recall

Gonzales Changes Tune on 'Legitimate' CIA Probe

Holder to Crank Up Civil Rights Enforcement

CIA Manipulated Every Detail of Interrogation Sessions
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne