Potential conflicts might include Bernhardt's former clients like the Central Valley's Westlands Water District, writes columnist hiltzikm
In their letter to Mary Kendall, the deputy inspector general at Interior, Warren and Blumenthal asked for an internal investigation of the role Bernhardt played in decisions affecting Westlands and whether he has complied with government rules on ethical conflicts in connection with the water district or any other ex-clients.
They sent a similar letter to Scott de la Vega, Interior’s designated ethics official, asking for copies of ethics determinations the agency has made about Bernhardt’s activities and for information about waivers he received allowing him to participate in meetings on topics that should be covered by his recusals.
In both letters, the senators noted that “as the acting head of a major government agency, it is incumbent upon Mr. Bernhardt to be held to the highest standards of ethical conduct and to avoid any appearance of impropriety.” Obviously, this is all information the public needs to know. Even more, the Senate needs to know before it votes on Bernhardt’s appointment.
, the Trump Cabinet has been filling up on industry lobbyists appointed to oversee their former clients. Bringing all these connections into the open is long overdue, and Bernhardt’s tenure at Interior is a good place to start.
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