Aversion To Drilling Frustrates Secretary

[wakeme2008]

http://www.tampatrib.com/MGBFF95AAGE.html

Nov 21, 2005
Aversion To Drilling Frustrates Secretary
By KEITH EPSTEIN
[email protected]


Interior Secretary Gale Norton discusses the impact on energy resources as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, at the National Press Club in Washington.
Photo by: AP Photo
Interior Secretary Gale Norton discusses the impact on energy resources as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2005, at the National Press Club in Washington.

WASHINGTON - -- As the nation heads into a winter likely to bring energy shortages and price spikes, Interior Secretary Gale Norton vows to pursue all drilling options, including areas in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and prime Alaskan fisheries.

"We're looking at whatever we can do -- onshore and offshore," Norton said during an interview in her office, which lately has been a headquarters of an effort to convince Americans of the need to draw more oil and natural gas from the federal lands and waters she manages.

Constrained by Congress and regulations, the Bush administration's public property czar is taking to the bully pulpit -- but also bureaucratically maneuvering to open doors to drilling wherever she can.

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