Letter to the Hon. Mark Greenblatt, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior - McCollum, Udall Request Inspector General Investigate Additional Interior Department Action

Letter

Dear Inspector General Greenblatt:

On March 15, 2019 we wrote to Deputy Inspector General Kendall to request an investigation of reports of ethics irregularities by senior officials at the Department of the Interior. A specific concern was an allegation that Acting Secretary Bernhardt was involved in actions taken by the Department that appeared to directly benefit a former client.

We understand this investigation is still in process and are concerned about a new allegation that Secretary Bernhardt was involved in an action not previously disclosed that appears to again benefit a former client. This action, as reported in a New York Times article on September 28, 2019, requires examination to assure that the scientific analysis being done by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not being subjected to political pressure.

It is critical that the American public have confidence that any environmental review or scientific work product produced by the Department of the Interior is free from political interference and is not being directed to reach a specific conclusion or recommendation.

Therefore, we would like to request that your current investigation incorporate a review of this new allegation.

We look forward to hearing from you soon regarding this important matter, and we appreciate your important work in providing oversight over the Department's stewardship of public assets and resources to effectively manage the American people's resources.

Sincerely,

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