GOP lawmakers demand Biden appointees who have accepted ENGO jobs to recuse themselves from pending business
Republican lawmakers are raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest as political appointees in the Biden administration announce plans to take on roles in outside environmental organizations next year. The Congressional Western Caucus, comprised mainly of Republicans, is calling for these appointees to recuse themselves from pending business in their current government positions.
In a letter addressed to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the caucus highlighted President Biden’s BLM director, Tracey Stone-Manning, who is set to become the president of The Wilderness Society, an environmental group that opposes development on public lands. The lawmakers argue that Stone-Manning’s new role poses a conflict of interest as she continues to lead the government agency.
The letter emphasized the impact of The Wilderness Society’s objectives on the American West, stating that policies aligned with the organization have negatively affected those who rely on public lands for economic livelihood. Rep. Dan Newhouse, chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, stressed that BLM should prioritize the interests of the public and avoid conflicts with extreme environmental groups seeking to restrict land usage.
The call for recusal from pending business extends to other political appointees at the agency who have accepted positions at environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs). Republican lawmakers, including Sens. John Barrasso, Steve Daines, and Mike Lee, as well as Reps. Doug LaMalfa and Ryan Zinke, are among those urging for transparency and accountability in government roles.
BLM has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. The ongoing debate underscores the complexities of balancing environmental conservation with economic interests on public lands and the need for ethical considerations in government decision-making.
Aubrie Spady, a Writer for Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.
