June 01, 2004

You want friendlier rules? Easy!

Lobbyists turned regulators: how bad is it? Well, the Denver Post studied the issue, and found that there are over 100 former lobbyists now working in agencies they once tried to influence. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em and subvert 'em, huh? The Post cites some truly egregious examples, too. For example:

The EPA official, a lawyer, formerly worked for a firm that represents utility companies, which are among the biggest air polluters.

When the Environmental Protection Agency issued proposed changes to air pollution rules Jan. 30, the wording troubled Martha Keating, a scientist with environmental advocacy group Clear the Air.

"It struck me that I had seen this before," Keating said.

At least 12 paragraphs were identical to or closely resembled a Sept. 4, 2003, proposal given to the Bush administration by Latham & Watkins, a law firm that represents utility companies.

The EPA official overseeing the proposed changes is Jeffrey Holmstead, who until he joined the EPA in October 2001 had worked as a lawyer at Latham & Watkins. His clients included a chemical company and a trade group for utility companies. Power plants are among the biggest air polluters.

Holmstead oversees the EPA division that governs air pollution.

[snip]

Holmstead declined to comment.

If a conflict of interest is to be avoided, these guys fail the test. (Link via Colorado Luis).

Posted by Linkmeister at June 1, 2004 10:31 PM
Comments

The lunatics are taking over the asylum.

Posted by: Shelagh at June 2, 2004 07:55 AM

That's just our president's friends using our hard earned tax dollars as they see fit.

Posted by: Six at June 3, 2004 05:15 PM