Emails Raise Ethical Questions Over Bernhardt's Role In Gas Project

"Documents obtained by the Guardian suggest interior secretary is promoting effort tied to his former firm"

"The US interior secretary, David Bernhardt, is promoting a fossil fuel project for which his former employer, a lobbying firm, is a paid advocate, e-mails obtained by the Guardian suggest.

Experts say Bernhardt is probably violating ethics guidelines issued by the Trump administration with the stated goal of “draining the swamp”. Based on these rules, Bernhardt should be recused from specific issues involving a former client for at least two years.

The Jordan Cove Energy Project was proposed by the Canadian energy giant Pembina to transport fracked natural gas through Oregon to the international port at Coos Bay in the state. It would include a new 232-mile pipeline that passes through several dozen miles of interior department land."

Will Parrish reports for the Guardian August 21, 2019.

Source: Guardian, 08/23/2019