1.9.03

Friends of the Earth: "Under intense pressure from environmental and human rights groups and members of Congress, today the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im) voted to reject financing for the controversial $1.6 billion Camisea Gas Project in Peru. The Ex-Im loan would have provided $213 million for the venture led by Hunt Oil and PlusPetrol. Ray Hunt, Chairman of Hunt Oil, is a Bush Pioneer Fundraiser who raised $100,000 for the 2000 Presidential elections.

'Ex-Im board members displayed courage and environmental leadership in the face of considerable pressure,' said Jon Sohn, international campaigner for Friends of the Earth."