"The new interior secretary, David Bernhardt, met with a lawyer for a Native American tribe that is linked to the political scandal haunting Bernhardt’s predecessor, according to internal agency records."

"The Interior Department has acknowledged that Secretary David Bernhardt’s staff intentionally left controversial meetings with representatives of fossil fuel, timber and water interests off his public calendar, citing “internal protocol” governing his schedules."

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

"Democratic lawmakers are asking appropriators to provide more funding so the Interior Department can hire more staff to handle public information requests."

"EPA's new plan for verifying chemicals that companies claim as trade secrets has some of the same shortcomings as a previous regulation currently tangled in litigation, according to critics."

"President Trump is heading to Texas tomorrow to sign two executive orders aimed at boosting an oil and gas sector he's long touted as an ally. Whether that move will pay off for the industry in terms of substantial regulatory relief, or for Trump's 2020 prospects, is unclear."

"If oil is moving through Oregon, it’s Michael Zollitsch’s job to know about it. He oversees the state’s emergency responses to oil spills and other environmental disasters."