A Congressional watchdog agency has put the Interior Department's program for regulating -- and collecting revenue from -- offshore oil drilling on its "at risk" list. Will Congressional oversight committees keep overseeing an agency that has failed to collect billions from an industry that gives generously to their campaigns?
"The U.S. Forest Service believes proposed revisions to its forest planning rule will accelerate timber sales and provide rural jobs while protecting watersheds, wildlife and quiet spaces for recreation."
"Leaked documents indicate that the US Chamber of Commerce hired a private firm to gather information about the families and children of its progressive political opponents."
"In an unusual scenario that raises questions of conflict of interest, a company that conducts research on behalf of the pesticide industry has paid a U.S. government agency to help prove some controversial chemicals are safe."
"A top senator got a free Super Bowl trip from one Marcellus Shale firm. The state permits such gifts."
The Keystone XL pipeline, awaiting President Obama's decision on a permit, would import heavy oil from Canada's oil sands to the U.S. It could also mean big bucks for the billionaire Koch brothers, who have avowed themselves Obama's political enemies.
"Tea party favorites on and off Capitol Hill have taken different approaches to EPA's future in recent weeks."
"Scientific research, environmental protection and other priorities of the Obama administration would face steep cuts under a congressional Republican spending plan released Wednesday."
"A majority, (62%) of House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton's constituents surveyed in a public opinion poll last week oppose his bill that would remove the U.S. EPA's power to regulate climate-warming greenhouse gases."
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