Over the past year or so, I have read a coupl,e of places (GSA one of them) that whoever is responsible for authorizing the final environmental permit (so that work may go ahead) is also held responsible for any environmental mistakes or mishaps that may happen at the site of that permit from that day forward.

In other words... if you sign it, you are personally responsible for what ever happen. (if only we could do that here in the US)

So... given we are reading that Ortega is the wife (or some sort of relative) to the vice president... that could be a rather sticky position to be in. I would think.

But if you know it is a project that some very powerful people want permitted... why not wait and let them get it approved some other way?

"Chavez won't loose his job... let him OK it."

Then again... there has been some discussion about the fact that she is anti any activity in such environmentally sensitive areas. Another reason to wait for those who want it done to get it done.

JMHO