An indoor guard dog launches an investigation into ethics in the new secretary

The upper guard house of the Interior Ministry has opened an investigation into newly-confirmed secretary David Bernhardt.

Deputy Inspector General Mary L. Kendall wrote in a letter to lawmakers that the Office of the Inspector General of the Ministry had received seven complaints alleging conflicts of interest or misconduct. ethics from Bernhardt, then deputy secretary of the ministry.

"The Office of the Inspector General of the Ministry of the Interior has received seven complaints, including yours, from a wide range of plaintiffs alleging various potential conflicts of interest and other violations. ", wrote Kendall in a letter to Sen. Tom UdallThomas (Tom) Stewart UdallOvernight Energy: An Internal Oversight Body Opens an Investigation into the New Secretary | Warren unveils 2020 plan to stop drilling on public lands | Judges dismiss case challenging state nuclear subsidies | The Court orders the EPA to reassess the pollution rule imposed by Obama An Interior Observer opens an investigation on ethics to the new Dem secretary A Senator Pompeo press: "Do you believe that our country is full? " MORE (D-N.M.) And Rep. Betty McCollumBetty Louise McCollumOvernight Energy: An internal watchdog opens investigation on new secretary | Warren unveils 2020 plan to stop drilling on public lands | Judges dismiss case challenging state nuclear subsidies | The Court orders the EPA to reassess the pollution rule imposed by Obama An internal watchdog launches an investigation into the ethics of the new secretary The EPA chief disregards Trump's commitment to fully fund the Great Lakes PLUS program (D-Min.).

"We continue to collect relevant information on complaints and have opened an investigation to respond to them, and we will conduct our review as quickly and thoroughly as possible," she added.

Kendall sent a similar letter Monday to other lawmakers, including Sens. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth Ann WarrenSanders: Applause after the Fox News host announces they would support "Medicare for All": Sanders defends his critics against income and taxes Overnight Energy: A watchdog from the interior opens an investigation on his new secretary | Warren unveils 2020 plan to stop drilling on public lands | Judges dismiss case challenging state nuclear subsidies | Court orders EPA to reassess Obama Pollution Rule PLUS (D-Mass.) And Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Who had previously voiced concerns with the ministry's IG office regarding potential conflicts of interest and violations of ethics.

The announcement of an investigation comes less than a week after the Senate upheld Bernhardt's appointment as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

Democrats and environmentalists have challenged Bernhardt's lobbying ties as well as the policies he has helped write as the Deputy Secretary of the Interior, which seem to benefit some former clients.

Under ethical rules, Bernhardt had to recuse himself before meeting several former customers. But Democrats have repeatedly questioned Bernhardt's decisions as deputy director and deputy director benefiting former clients.

Udall and McCollum had previously asked the Home Department's surveillance to investigate reports of "ethical misconduct" against senior officials of the Interior.

The letter quoted a February article in The New York Times that, as deputy secretary, Bernhardt had helped enact a specific Endangered Species Act policy regarding the smell of the delta, which would directly benefit one of his former clients. Interior officials said that ethics officials gave Bernhardt verbal permission to attend political meetings on issues relating to his former client.

"The Inspector General's investigation of Secretary Bernhardt's many conflicts of interest is a necessary step in ensuring that the public interest is paramount in decision-making at the Department of the Interior," Udall said in a statement. communicated.

Mr. McCollum added that "it is important to know that the Inspector General will examine whether the officials of the Ministry of the Interior, including the newly appointed secretary, have been able to violate the rules on The department should focus on protecting our public lands and natural resources. "

Bernhardt denied having committed any violations of ethics. Faith Vander Voort, a spokesman, told The New York Times Monday that he was "in full compliance with his agreement on ethics and with all applicable laws, rules and regulations".

"It is important to note that the Department's Ethics Office has already reviewed many of these charges at the request of Mr. Bernhardt and determined that Secretary Bernhardt was in full compliance."

Also Monday, Natural Resources Committee Chair Raúl Grijalva (D-Arizona) asked Bernhardt to testify before the Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives on May 15 about ethical issues related to his schedule and schedule. keeping his records.

"Secretary Bernhardt has headed the Department of the Interior for four months and it is time for him to appear before this committee," Grivalja said in a statement.

-Rebecca Beitsch contributed to this report which was updated at 20:41.