Topic: Environment & Energy

Complaint: Western Values Project v. DOI – Lola Zinke Role at Interior

October 5, 2017
Complaint filed on behalf of Western Values Project regarding Ryan Zinke's wife's involvement at Department of the Interior, as part of a larger investigation into Ryan Zinke's unethical actions while serving as secretary of the department.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s Calendars Show Deep Industry Connections

October 3, 2017
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's calendars from February through May 2017 show extensive meetings with energy and chemical industry executives and lobbyists, and provide a deeper look at how Pruitt has been spending his time at the head of the nation's environmental regulator. 

Scott Pruitt’s Mismanagement of the EPA

October 3, 2017
Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's tenure was marked by outlandish abuses of his office, from installing a secret phone booth to enlisting a fleet of SUVs to ferry him around Washington, as well as a shift towards increasing secrecy — a legacy that continues to hamper the ability of the American public to understand how major environmental policy decisions are made.

“Serious, Likely Irreparable” Damage from Border Wall

September 29, 2017
Government records obtained by American Oversight show that officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have concerns about the potential environmental impact of President Trump's proposed all along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Investigating EPA’s Attacks on a Journalist

September 7, 2017
On September 3, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) personally attacked a reporter from the Associated Press in a press release – citing an article from Breitbart. American Oversight is investigating why the EPA attacked AP reporter Michael Biesecker and whether they colluded with Breitbart to do so.

Watchdog Groups Launch Joint Investigation into EPA Oversight of Toxic Substances Control Act

August 30, 2017
American Oversight and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) today opened an investigation into industry influence at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its role in loosening restrictions on dangerous chemicals imposed through the Toxic Substances Control Act.

FOIA Request to DOI Seeking Communications with Non-Government Parties Regarding Border Wall Construction at National Wildlife Refuge

August 30, 2017
FOIA request to the Department of the Interior seeking agency officials' communications with non-government parties about construction along the U.S.-Mexico border in the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.

Statement on EPA IG Investigation of Pruitt Travel

August 28, 2017
At a time in which Administrator Pruitt is slashing EPA offices dedicated to water and air safety, it’s heartening that the Inspector General is taking steps to protect taxpayer money and curb Pruitt’s spendthrift travel.

FOIA Request to EPA Regarding Konkus

August 18, 2017
FOIA request to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding Konkus' ability to review grant solicitations and seeking calendars and logs.