A White House lawyer on Saturday instructed Bush administration officials to retain all documents related to its energy task force, complying with a U.S. judge’s recent order amid criticism that the group was heavily influenced by Enron Corp.
“In accord with the court’s direction, I am requesting your assistance in preserving all records of your agency or office related to the (National Energy Policy Development Group),” said a letter signed by White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales, which cited a Justice Department request made Friday.
U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan on Tuesday ordered the White House to take such action. Sullivan is overseeing a lawsuit seeking task force details filed by Judicial Watch, a public interest law firm.
The White House task force headed by Vice President Dick Cheney produced a policy issued last May that called for more oil and gas drilling, deregulated wholesale electricity markets and increased emphasis on nuclear power.
The Judicial Watch suit alleges that because outsiders had access to the task force, it falls under U.S. law governing federal advisory committees and must disclose its activities.
