An investigation into the conduct of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is escalating. According to recent reports, the department’s inspector general has sent one of its several probes upstream, to the U.S. Department of Justice. That’s bad news for Zinke—investigations are typically referred to the DOJ only after evidence of criminal activity has been found. A spokesperson for the inspector general’s office did not reveal the Zinke allegation in question, but there sure are a lot to choose from: a suspect real estate deal with oil giant Halliburton; taxpayer-funded trips with his wife; or, perhaps, the one involving redrawing national monument boundaries to benefit a state lawmaker. I guess we'll find out soon.
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Ryan Zinke’s Disastrous Year, By the Numbers
Expert BlogNRDC
Zinke’s first year as secretary of the Interior Department has been a disaster for the environment and Americans who value it. The numbers don’t lie.
Zinke Suppressed Science to Gut National Monuments
Expert BlogKabir Green
Zinke Plans to Divide Monument for Industry and Local Allies
Expert BlogJacob Eisenberg
Ryan Zinke’s Interior Department released documents yesterday indicating its intention to sell to private interests 1,600 acres of land previously and rightfully protected as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. 1,600 acres of invaluable land belonging to the American people.