Interior Dept. Now Screening Grants To Ensure They Align With Admin Priorities

What’s the story?

The Washington Post released a December 28 directive from the Interior Department outlining a new process for approval of discretionary grants. Any grants of more than $50,000 to non-profits authorized to engage in political advocacy or institutions of higher learning must be approved by a political appointee and in accordance with Secretary Ryan Zinke’s "Top Ten Priorities".

Those priorities include: "creating a stewardship legacy second only to Teddy Roosevelt", “utilizing natural resources”, “restoring trust with local communities”, “ensuring sovereignty means something”, “protecting our people and the border”, and “striking a regulatory balance”.

A former deputy secretary at Interior, David J Hayes, noted that the grant programs are governed by laws passed by Congress and told the Post, "Subjugating Congress’ priorities to 10 of the Secretary’s own priorities is arrogant, impractical and, in some cases, likely illegal."

The Interior Department has already halted funds to two studies by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. One was looking at whether residents near surface coal mining sites in Appalachia face higher health risks than other Americans. The other was aimed at updating and enhancing the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s oil and gas inspection program.

What do you think?

Is the Secretary establishing an adequate level of oversight to ensure taxpayer money is being properly spent, or is he restricting access to funds for scientists the administration doesn’t agree with?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Department of the Interior / Creative Commons)*