Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** Interior watchdog investigated Bernhardt's lobbying
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Friday, May 20, 2022
Former Trump Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. Source: Trump White House archives ([link removed])

The Interior Department Inspector General released findings of an investigation ([link removed]) into whether former Trump Interior Secretary David Bernhardt violated the Lobbying Disclosure Act by working for California’s Westlands Water District, a former client of his, during the Trump transition—after he had deregistered as a federal lobbyist.

The investigation revealed that while Bernhardt did continue to advise Westlands during the transition, it could not prove that Bernhardt violated federal lobbying laws regarding his former client ([link removed]) . However, the investigation itself was stonewalled by Bernhardt, who canceled a scheduled in-person interview the night before, and refused to participate in the investigation or meet with investigators without special conditions.

"Once again, David Bernhardt has shown who he truly is—a swamp creature who thinks the rules don’t apply to him. By refusing to cooperate with yet another investigation into his ethical lapses, Bernhardt continues to sully his own reputation, as well as the reputation of his law firm and its clients," said ([link removed]) Center for Western Priorities' deputy director Aaron Weiss.
Quick hits


** Sec. Haaland promises new 5-year offshore leasing plan by June
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Reuters ([link removed]) | Houston Chronicle ([link removed]) | Wall Street Journal ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Biden plan to protect ancient forests spurs debate over what counts as "old"
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Associated Press ([link removed])


** Federal government to return land to Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota
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Minnesota Public Radio ([link removed])


** Marinas at Colorado's Blue Mesa Reservoir won't open this year as water release to Lake Powell looms
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Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])


** Interior watchdog investigated Bernhardt's lobbying
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Washington Post ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** Both petroleum and conservation groups protest upcoming Wyoming lease sale
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Wyoming Public Media ([link removed])


** Judge: Trump administration illegally withdrew bi-state sage-grouse listing
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Associated Press ([link removed])


** Opinion: Reform of hard rock mining industry regulations 150 years overdue
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Reno Gazette Journal ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” A robust land base is the foundation of tribal sovereignty, and self determination lands from [within] the geographic reach of our jurisdiction supports our tribal population. It is the basis of our economy, and provides an irreplaceable forum for our cultural vitality, practices.”
—Faron Jackson Sr. ([link removed]) , Leech Lake tribal chair
Picture this


** This Saturday, May 21, 2022 is Colorado Public Lands Day! Colorado has 43 state parks, 350 state wildlife areas, and 22 million acres of federal public land. Don't have a plan yet for how to enjoy Colorado's public lands this Saturday? Check www.coloradopubliclandsday.com ([link removed]) for an event near you. Photo: BLM Flickr ([link removed])
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