The Nation - News from March 15, 1988

The man nominated to head the Economic Regulatory Administration was asked to leave another government agency, the Agency for International Development, after providing documents to a friend who was seeking a contract, according to Rep. John D. Dingell (D-Mich.). Dingell, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has written Energy Secretary John S. Herrington asking the secretary to relieve the nominee, Chandler Van Orman, as acting head of the ERA and that Van Orman “refrain from participating in any sensitive matters.” A spokesman said the Energy Department plans to stand behind the nominee. The ERA seeks refunds from overcharges when crude oil was under price controls.