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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Bush Cabinet Member in Criminal Inquiry

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

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(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)
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31 comments
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yoeydude
Sep 17, 09 6:47 AM CDT
Steven J Griles , Italia Federici , Jack abramoff , two former Interior Dept officials under Norton ,and one well known snake oil salesman , they are already in jail , bye bye Gail Reply
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+11
IN RESPONSE:
Doctor_Zaius
Sep 17, 09 7:38 AM CDT
But at least they had no tax issues....
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+6
IN RESPONSE:
odowd80
Sep 17, 09 7:54 AM CDT
At least they were pro-hunting...
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
Reader64481089
Sep 17, 09 9:21 AM CDT
"Bush Cabinet Member in Criminal Inquiry"....the entire crew needs prison time, I don't think Cheney can carry his beloved shotguns though
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
radnip
Sep 22, 09 6:42 PM 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!
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