Revolving Door

The Revolving Door Project has previously proposed that the Biden administration pass an executive order enshrining a strongest-ever ethics commitment for executive branch political appointees. Among other things, this commitment would include a pledge not to own individual stocks while in public office. A new Inspector General report on the ethical minefield of a high-level EPA appointee who owns dozens of individual companies’ stocks demonstrates why this sort of simple, clear ethics rule is essential for increasing trust in government.

Labor Day is just around the corner, marking the unofficial end to an incredibly eventful summer in politics. It’s basically the last chance for a little reprieve before we’re inundated with the endless punditry and forecasting that accompanies the lead-up to a presidential election. So, before looking forward to November, let’s take a look back at some great research and writing that my RDP colleagues produced throughout the summer. You’ll be forgiven if some of this slipped past you in the chaos of the past two months. Luckily, in true summer reading fashion, you still have one week to cram before summer ends on Labor Day. Enjoy!

Bringing tech and finance executives into government because they are ‘the country’s smartest and hardest-working people’ is faintly ridiculous.

Gas industry influence groups Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future and the Partnership to Address Global Emissions (PAGE Coalition) are reportedly hosting an event on Capitol Hill on Tuesday with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA). The event seeks to bring attention to a new report they’re releasing downplaying the lifecycle emissions of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the Energy Department works to update its impact analysis for permitting new gas exports. Founded and funded by LNG industry players, the groups are vocal proponents of expanding methane gas exports, aiming to frame exports as a climate solution despite their outsized greenhouse gas emissions and toxic local air pollution.