Pelosi Sets Minerals Agency 'Integrity' Plan

[struggle4progress]

Source: WSJ

WASHINGTON -- House Democrats said they will demand tougher rules against unethical conduct at the Interior Department bureau that manages the nation's offshore oil and gas reserves, a day after reports of ethical failures at the agency

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) said proposed energy legislation, which would expand offshore drilling, subject to certain conditions, would include "a very strong integrity piece" to deter future misconduct at the Minerals Management Service

In reports issued Wednesday, the Interior Department's inspector general, Earl Devaney, detailed accusations that Minerals Management Service employees had engaged in sexual relationships with energy-industry representatives and accepted gifts from them, along with other misconduct, including drug use. The agency's responsibilities include drawing up leases for drilling in offshore waters and assessing and collecting royalties from oil and gas companies

Ms. Pelosi, speaking to reporters at a news conference, didn't elaborate on the provision. A vote on the legislation is expected early next week ...

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122118640699426547.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

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Oil-and-Sex Scandal Spawns Criticism, Hill Hearing

... Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) today sent a letter to Kempthorne asking him to fire the head of Interior's Minerals Management Service, Randall B. Luthi, who supervises the troubled royalties office.

The House Natural Resources Committee is planning a congressional hearing to discuss the scandal, tentatively scheduled for next Thursday. Witness lists have not yet been compiled but Kempthorne and Interior Inspector General Earl B. Devaney are expected to testify, committee spokeswoman Allyson Groff said ...

Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, said "The Bush Administration put an 'America for Sale' sign on the White House lawn from day one and has been courting Big Oil ever since.

"Democrats have been saying it for some time, but this proves it," she added. "This Administration is literally in bed with Big Oil. Little did we know they were such a cheap date" ...

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/washingtonpostinvestigations/2008/09/exclusive_gao_questions_govern.html

[LindyHope]

1. That's Just Lovely Nancy :-)

NOW WHAT ABOUT THE CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE IN THE WHITE HOUSE ??? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[Doctor_J]

2. This will be like the "voluntary compliance" that Gov. Smirk set up in TX

which then went on to become the most polluted state in the US