John,
Thought you might find this interesting given your involvement in the Gale Norton scandal several years ago.
It would seem that given the reserves of oil involved Shell was attempting to gain an ‘inside edge’ via political connections.
Oil-shale companies tout research projects – The Denver Post
Oil shale: Buried treasure or shell game for residents? – Vernal.com …
Oil shale reserves – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Oil shale – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.