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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2002

The Department of Interior never makes decisions based on political interests. Well, that's the message the Bush administration has been giving out for more than a year when it comes to environmental issues.

In Florida, Secretary Gale Norton has taken great pains to oppose off-road vehicles and drilling in the Big Cypress National Preserve. A preserve is not as strong as a national park designation yet elsewhere, such as Yellowstone National Park, Norton has taken great pains to support what would be deemed unthinkable in Florida.

A spokesperson acknowledges local influence plays a role in Florida but says politics don't motivate Norton. The state's governor, Jeb Bush, is the president's older brother.

Get the Story:
National and State Politics Help Safeguard a Swamp (The New York Times 4/3)
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