Haaland faces ethics complaint for removing Navajo Nation’s oil and gas chances.

Interior ‍Secretary Deb ‌Haaland Faces⁣ Ethics Complaint⁣ Over Controversial Decision

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland is under fire for her recent decision to restrict oil and ⁣gas development in ⁢New Mexico.⁤ The government watchdog Protect the Public’s‌ Trust (PPT) has filed ​an ethics complaint, citing Haaland’s prior activism in the same area. The complaint raises concerns about Haaland’s impartiality‍ due to⁤ her child’s involvement in​ lobbying against oil and gas development.

Somah Haaland, Secretary Haaland’s child, works for the Pueblo Action Alliance⁣ (PAA), a climate group that opposes drilling in the region. PPT argues ⁤that⁢ Haaland’s past statements, participation in ​a film opposing drilling, and her husband’s role in a tribe⁤ that opposes development raise questions about⁣ her ability to ⁤be ​impartial.

Conflicts​ of​ Interest ‍and Opposition

Haaland’s husband, Skip Sayre, is⁣ the ⁢chief of sales‍ and marketing for the‌ Laguna Development Corporation, which opposes development in the region. In June, the Interior Department‌ implemented a protective radius around Chaco Cultural National Historical Park, preventing new oil and gas leases for the⁢ next⁣ 20 years. House Republicans‌ have launched their own investigation into ‌Haaland’s conflicts of​ interest.

While efforts to⁤ protect the Chaco landscape have been ongoing for years, local ​residents and nearby⁤ tribes have objected⁤ to the restrictions. The Navajo Nation, ⁢for example, voted against the ⁤administration’s ⁢plans to​ withdraw acres from leasing⁢ opportunities. The Western Energy Alliance estimates that the decision will cost the ⁢tribe over​ $194 million⁤ in the next⁣ two decades.

Call ‍for ‌Impartiality

The Western ⁤Energy Alliance‌ argues that ‌Haaland’s membership in the Laguna‍ Pueblo, her daughter’s ​lobbying‌ efforts, and her role⁤ as Secretary of​ the⁣ Interior require her to balance the⁣ interests of all⁢ tribes, not just favor one side. The ethics complaint filed by ⁤PPT highlights these concerns and calls for a thorough investigation.

Tristan Justice is​ the western correspondent for The Federalist and the author of⁤ Social Justice Redux, ⁤a conservative newsletter on culture, health, and wellness. He has also written for The ‌Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. His work has also been featured in Real Clear Politics and Fox News. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored⁤ in political science and minored‌ in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at [email protected]. Sign up for Tristan’s email newsletter here.