A Little Too Cozy

We were so looking forward to attending the Energy Department's Office of Environmental Management's "2nd annual EM Transportation Best Practices Workshop and Training" at the lovely Hotel Boulderado, in Boulder, Colo.

The first one, in Phoenix in 2005, was said to be a great time for the 150 local and state officials, Energy Department staff and hazardous materials transporters to talk about risks, trends and regulations.

A one-page flier on a special Web site this year invited companies to "secure a corporate sponsorship and realize profitable relationships with influential decision-makers at this exclusive industry event."

The gathering "offers your company the outstanding opportunity to enhance your visibility to the true decision-makers who drive the hazardous materials transportation industry." Yes, indeed, "your target audience can also become your captive audience," the Web site gushed, especially if you fork over $2,000 to pay for the welcome reception, or a continental breakfast, lunch or a coffee break.

It's unclear who came up with the bright idea to charge companies for a chance to cozy up to regulators -- and save lobbying fees by skipping the middleman.

But at some point top agency officials got wind of the plan. "Once departmental leadership learned about the implications contained in the flier, they canceled the conference," said spokesman Craig Stevens . The department's "door is always open to anyone free of charge."

The Web site disappeared. The fliers flew away. And anyone who had paid for the conference received a refund, we were told. It's unclear if the event will be rescheduled.

So Much for Traveling Light

One more reason, albeit minor, to hate al-Qaeda. Back in the old days, government officials could go on quiet vacations without a security detail. Now, no top official can leave home without one.

For example, Deputy Attorney General Paul J. McNulty is off with his wife on a two-week European vacation this summer touring -- we can't tell you where because he might have to cancel and it's a 25th anniversary thing.

The Justice Department sent word to an embassy in the undisclosed location asking for logistical support for 16 (that's sixteen) agents -- in this case, U.S. marshals -- and for help acquiring rental cars, cellphones and such.

The department says a preliminary request for 16 security folks doesn't mean that precisely that many will go on the trip, which includes a nice tour itinerary.

But sending any substantial detail, figuring flights, expenses and salaries, will cost the government probably about $100,000.