SW Arkansas Times

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman has issued letters to officials of the Biden administration, urging them to adhere to record retention requirements and avoid last-minute partisan rulemaking. The letters were addressed to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI).

Westerman emphasized in his letter to DOI: "In preparation for a new presidential administration and Congress, the Committee cautions DOI against finalizing partisan rulemakings in the remaining weeks of the current administration." He highlighted that Congress holds authority under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove such rulemakings.

The committee's oversight activities during the 118th Congress included investigations into various issues related to DOI, such as energy production policies, ethical concerns among senior employees, border policies affecting tribal lands, and foreign influence on American energy policy.

Westerman stated: "The Committee’s activity is consistent with its obligation pursuant to Article I of the Constitution to conduct oversight of the application, administration, and execution of relevant laws."

The full text of each letter sent by Westerman can be accessed through provided links for CEQ, USFS, IHS, NOAA, and DOI.