Corrupt Interior Secretary Bernhardt Far From Cleared of Multi-Faceted Ethics Investigation

Interior Made At Least 25 Policy Changes Benefitting Bernhardt’s Former Lobbying Clients Since 2017

Yesterday, Interior’s Inspector General gave Interior Secretary David Bernhardt a pass in their investigation into allegations that he interfered with the “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) scientific process during an assessment of the effects of pesticides on endangered species.” Despite this erroneous decision, it is established fact that since Sec. Bernhardt joined the agency in 2017, Interior’s leadership has made at least 25 policy changes, decisions, or proposals that have or will directly benefit at least 16 of the former mega-lobbyist’s clients. 

“Under the Trump administration, it can be difficult to separate Interior’s general coziness with industry from the personal conflicts of interest so many political appointees face. Interior has made and continues to make critical policy changes that directly benefit conflict-ridden Sec. Bernhardt’s former clients,” said Western Values Project Deputy Director Jayson O’Neill. “So while Interior’s Inspector General found that Secretary Bernhardt did not violate his ethics agreement in this particular instance, the fact remains that Sec. Bernhardt is still under a multi-faceted investigation for ethics violations after turning Interior into his own personal lobbying shop.”

Sec. Bernhardt has long been heralded as the Trump administration’s most conflicted cabinet member. While his supposed “recusalsexpired in August, he has repeatedly been involved in and sided with his former clients on particular matters, including a decision that grossly benefited the powerful Westlands Water District. 

Background: 

During Bernhardt’s Tenure as Deputy Interior Secretary, the Agency Completed or Moved Forward With at Least 25 Policy Actions That Were Requested or Supported By At Least 16 of His Former Clients

While Bernhardt Was Deputy Secretary, The Interior Department Completed or Moved Forward With 25 Policy Actions Requested or Supported By At Least 16 Of His Former Clients. “An analysis by the Center for Western Priorities finds that during Bernhardt’s tenure as Deputy Interior Secretary, the agency has completed or moved forward with at least 25 policy actions that have been requested or supported by at least 16 of his former clients.” [Westwise, 12/17/18]

  1. Benefitted Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
  2. Benefitted Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
  3. Benefitted Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
  4. Benefitted Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
  5. Benefitted Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
  6. Benefitted Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
  7. Benefitted Cadiz Inc.
  8. Benefitted Eni Petroleum and National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA)
  9. Benefitted Halliburton 
  10. Benefitted Hudbay
  11. Benefitted Rosemont Copper Company
  12. Benefitted Garrison Diversion Conservancy District (GDCD) 
  13. Benefitted Noble Energy

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