First, the pesticide exec became the EPA’s head honcho. Now, we learn from this BushGreenwatch article that President Bush has appointed Lee Raymond, former head of ExxonMobil, to oversee a new study that will help determine America’s energy future. Also on Raymond’s resume: He’s the current chair of the National Petroleum Council, which BushGreenwatch calls “one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington.”

Don’t quite believe that Raymond is up to the job? That old conflict of interest getting you down? Poppycock, says the DOE:

Energy Department Under Secretary David Garman, added that the NPC is “well qualified to provide a balanced and informed perspective on strategies and action affecting the energy future for both the U.S. and for every country on earth.”

And then, there’s, well, another point of view:

“Putting Lee Raymond in charge of solving U.S. energy problems is like putting Jack Abramoff in charge of solving corruption,” said Shawnee Hoover, campaign director for the Exxpose Exxon Coalition.

We’ll go with option B, thanks.

Posted by Kiera Butler on Nov 3, 2006 at 9:00 AM
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