Recent investigations by the U.S. Geological Survey of our oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico have produced evidence of many serious violations of Interior Department regulations. I believe these violations were knowingly and willfully committed. I believe criminal proceedings against Chevron are warranted and recommend that they be instituted. I believe that the strongest possible action should be taken against the violators.
Interior Secretary Walter J. Hickel was justly outraged. The recent Gulf of Mexico oil fiasco, during which a cluster of twelve offshore wells owned by Chevron Oil Co....