"The documents paint a picture of David Bernhardt’s frequent contact with representatives from industries he previously lobbied for and now oversees."

"The National Archives and Records Administration gave the Interior Department until late April to address Democrats’ allegations that newly confirmed Secretary David Bernhardt may have been destroying his official calendars, according to a letter POLITICO obtained Friday.

The letter adds new pressure to a department that is facing investigations by House Democrats who question whether Bernhardt has violated federal record-keeping laws. Bernhardt's existing daily schedule shows that the former fossil fuel and agriculture lobbyist has met with representatives of former clients who stood to gain from Interior’s decisions, but the department has released few details about his activities during about one-third of his days in office.

House Oversight Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) requested the NARA probe after Bernhardt acknowledged he does not keep a daily calendar and failed to disclose meetings with industry groups such as the American Petroleum Institute."

Ben Lefebvre and Annie Snider report for Politico April 13, 2019. [2]