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Press Release

Westerman Demands Clarity of BLM Director's Ethics Compliance

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 21, 2022 | Committee Press Office (202-225-2761)
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Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) sent a letter to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Tracy Stone-Manning and U.S. Department of the Interior Departmental Ethics Office Director Heather Gottry, expressing concern over Stone-Manning's compliance with ethical standards. In part, the ranking member wrote: 

"Ms. Stone-Manning's known position on issues she is now tasked with deliberating along with her demonstrated inability to act in the highest standards of ethics raise serious doubts about her impartiality during the decision-making process. The [U.S. Office of Government Ethics] OGE advises federal employees to 'not act on a Government matter if a reasonable person... could legitimately question [the federal employee's] impartiality.' Therefore, based on OGE guidance and President Biden's ethical requirements, transparency related to Ms. Stone-Manning's work while at the NWF is as critical as related disclosures about her meetings and involvement in policy decision-making processes as the senior-most BLM employee." 

Read the full letter here