EPA’s ethics office approved requests to bypass conflict-of-interest procedures for a handful of Trump administration officials.
At least five political appointees received limited approvals to waive the “cooling off” period, which prohibits government officials from interacting with their former employers or clients for one year after the date of last service, according to documents obtained by a Freedom of Information Act request.
“I conclude that the interest of the United States Government in your participation outweighs any concerns about your impartiality,” EPA ethics office Director Justina Fugh wrote in impartiality determinations signed in March.
Among the officials affected is Nancy Beck, who rejoined the agency’s chemicals office as its principal deputy assistant administrator after directing regulatory affairs for the law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth, where her clients included the American Chemistry Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
