Tyler Hassen, a Texas oil executive, has been empowered to revamp the Interior Department without Senate confirmation, raising concerns over conflicts of interest. His background in the oil industry, including significant ties to firms with resources in Russia, exacerbates worries among lawmakers and environmental advocates. Critics argue that his appointment is an attempt to bypass traditional oversight, undermining the integrity of the department. Interior officials maintain Hassen is crucial to realizing the president's goals, focusing on staffing needs across various key areas, including energy production and park services.
These and other potential conflicts of interest are compounding the concerns of Democratic lawmakers, conservation groups and environmental advocates.
It's a dereliction of duty to offload decisions about staffing and funding at the Interior Department to someone who hasn't even been confirmed by the Senate.
Hassen's appointment appears designed to evade Senate confirmation and oversight while testing the limits of congressional authority.
Hassen is helping achieve the president's vision for major changes, prioritizing retaining first responders, parks services and energy production employees.
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