Statement by Western Values Project Deputy Director Jayson O’Neill:
“Once again, Interior Secretary Bernhardt — the Trump administration’s most conflicted and corrupt cabinet member — has put the wishlist of his former clients above what’s best for America’s lands and natural resources. This egregious decision to weaken these protections has always been about appeasing Bernhardt’s powerful former lobbying client, the Westlands Water District. The cascading effects of the former mega-lobbyist pulling Interior’s levers of power for his special interest pals will have lasting and damaging impacts.”
LA Times: Trump team weakens endangered species protections for California salmon and delta smelt
Background
Interior Dept. Opens Ethics Investigation of Its New Chief, David Bernhardt
A report shows Trump’s water plan would hurt California salmon. The government hid it
Conflicted Interior Secretary Bernhardt Continues to Work Overtime for a Former Client
Bernhardt’s “Recusal” Period a Boon to Former Clients & Special Interests
ICYMI: Watchdog Group Calls for Ethics Investigation into Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt
BREAKING: Top Interior Official David Bernhardt Caught Carrying Water for Former Client