A new analysis from the Center for Western Priorities found that during David Bernhardt’s tenure as Deputy Interior Secretary, the agency has completed or moved forward with at least 19 policy actions that have been requested or supported by at least 16 of his former clients. Financial disclosures and ethics recusals show that Bernhardt provided lobbying and legal services to more than two dozen former clients, which include oil, gas, and mining companies and trade associations. CWP’s analysis shows that despite his recusals, the Interior Department has taken numerous policy actions requested or supported by Bernhardt’s former clients.
Ryan Zinke recently announced he would resign as secretary of the Interior by the end of the year. Bernhardt, Zinke’s right-hand man, is expected to take over the department as acting secretary. In May 2017, Bernhardt admitted he would not have qualified for his current position under Obama-era ethics rules.
“There isn’t a better example of a walking conflict of interest in President Trump’s administration. Under Bernhardt’s tenure at Interior, his corporate clients have gotten virtually everything they’ve asked for. With a track record of carrying out the priorities of drilling and mining companies, America’s public lands and wildlife will continue to be threatened by Trump’s Interior Department with Bernhardt at the helm.” said Jesse Prentice-Dunn, policy director at the Center for Western Priorities.
The full analysis can be read here.
Sources and background documents
Since Bernhardt was sworn in on August 1, 2017, the Interior Department has moved aggressively to roll back numerous policies, including:
Expanding oil and gas development offshore and on public lands while reducing safeguards that protect the environment and taxpayers
Weakening wildlife protections including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act
Removing barriers to water pipelines and industrial water users
David Bernhardt’s track record after just one year in office shows that the Interior Department is already implementing policies at the behest of his former lobbying and legal clients. Unfortunately for America’s parks, public lands, and wildlife, his time as acting secretary will likely prove to be more of the same.
For more information, visit westernpriorities.org. To speak with an expert on public lands, contact Aaron Weiss at 720-279-0019 or aaron@westernpriorities.org. Sign up for Look West to get daily public lands and energy news sent to your inbox.
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PHOENIX – (Dec. 17, 2018) – It’s the time of year when people resolve to change their lives, from getting in shape to improving relationships and achieving work-life balance. Financial goals also top the list of New Year’s resolutions – and are easier to attain than you might think.
“It’s actually easy to cut expenses and save money – even a few dollars at a time – but many people give up too quickly,” said Mike Sullivan, a personal finance consultant with Take Charge America, a national non-profit credit counseling and debt management agency. “The key is to set realistic goals, celebrate small victories and get creative with cost-cutting.”
Sullivan offers nine tips for sticking to financial resolutions in 2019.
For more financial tips and guidance, check out Take Charge America’s Financial Education Center or take its free online debt review.
About Take Charge America, Inc.
Founded in 1987, Take Charge America, Inc. is a nonprofit agency offering financial education and counseling services including credit counseling, debt management, student loan counseling, housing counseling and bankruptcy counseling. It has helped more than 1.6 million consumers nationwide manage their personal finances and debts. To learn more, visit www.takechargeamerica.org or call (888) 822-9193.
