FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2018
DENVER—In response to news that the Interior Department Office of Inspector General will open an investigation into a Whitefish, Montana land deal involving Secretary Ryan Zinke and Halliburton Chairman David Lesar, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Executive Director Jennifer Rokala:
“Secretary Zinke’s schedule doesn’t lie: he met with Halliburton’s chairman and the developer in his government office and gave them a private tour of the Lincoln Memorial. This massive conflict of interest and abuse of office is ripe for investigators.
“Since being sworn in, Secretary Zinke has wielded the Interior Department as a tool for political and personal benefit. This deal is emblematic of Zinke’s habit of giving special access to oil and gas executives while shutting out the American public. With scandals like these, it’s no wonder Zinke has racked up at least 13 investigations in his brief tenure.”
Previously:
- Zinke linked to real estate deal with Halliburton chairman [POLITICO]
- Zinke’s Halliburton mess deepens [POLITICO]
- Zinke seeks to explain meeting with Halliburton chairman [POLITICO]
- Analysis finds 13 government investigations into Zinke’s actions at Interior
For more information, visit westernpriorities.org. To speak with an expert on public lands, contact Aaron Weiss at 720-279-0019 or aaron@westernpriorities.org. Sign up for Look West to get daily public lands and energy news sent to your inbox.