Spencer Abraham
Background
US Senator for Michigan from 1995 to 2001, where he received thousands of pounds from nuclear interests. [1]
10th US Secretary of Energy, under George Bush from 2001 until 2005. A member of Bush's National Energy Policy Development Group, known as Cheney's Energy Task Force, that heavilly recommended development of nuclear power. [2]
After leaving office, Abraham opened The Abraham Group, "strategic consulting" firm based in Washington. In 2006, he was named non-Executive Chairman of Areva Inc, the US subsidiary of global giant Areva.
A Conflict of Interest?
In January 2007, Abraham was asked by MSNBC about any conflict of interest from moving from the US government (where he promoted nuclear power) to the Chairmanship of a huge nuclear company, looking to build plants in the US.
"Abraham is not troubled by possible appearances of conflict over having helped formulate policies that could benefit a firm for which he now works", wrote MSNBC. Abraham told them "The federal government has strict guidelines regarding post-employment restrictions for Cabinet members. I have followed those guidelines to the letter of the law". [3]
External Links
- ^ Mike Stuckey, "Nuclear Energy's French Connection: Ambitious Areva is Second to None at American-Style Power Politics", MSNBC, January 25, 2007
- ^ Report of the National Energy Policy Development Group
- ^ Mike Stuckey, "Nuclear Energy's French Connection: Ambitious Areva is Second to None at American-Style Power Politics", MSNBC, January 25, 2007