Key facts
- John Murdock, a veteran attorney at the US Department of Interior, resigned in protest on September 30.
- Murdock cited "glaring legal flaws" and an "assault on the rule of law" during the Trump administration.
- He expressed particular concern over the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM) handling of offshore oil and gas lease sales.
- Murdock stated that BOEM, under acting director Matt Giacona, determined environmental laws were not applicable at the lease sale stage.
- Environmental groups are suing over the lease sales, alleging bypass of federal environmental laws.
- The Interior Department defended its policies, stating they are consistent with federal law and President Trump's agenda.
John Murdock, an 18-year veteran attorney at the US Department of Interior, resigned in protest on September 30, citing "glaring legal flaws" and an "assault on the rule of law" under the Trump administration. Murdock, who described himself as a conservative Christian, expressed deep concerns about the department's direction, particularly regarding offshore oil and gas drilling, the expansion of fossil fuels, and the alleged flouting of environmental regulations.
Murdock's resignation letter detailed specific incidents, including the actions of Matt Giacona, the former acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Giacona's announcement of a Gulf of Mexico oil and gas lease sale, which garnered bids totaling over $370 million from 30 companies including BP, Chevron, and Shell, was particularly troubling to Murdock. Giacona's claim that the administration upheld the highest environmental standards was disputed by environmental groups, who contend that the administration bypassed federal laws like the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the lease sale, known as BBG1.
Earthjustice, an environmental group involved in lawsuits challenging these sales, stated that the administration's actions were a "payback to oil and gas drillers" with consequences for Gulf communities and marine ecosystems. The administration, however, argued in a legal filing that because the lease sale was mandated by Congress, the agency had limited discretion to alter environmental outcomes. Murdock stated he felt an ethical obligation to highlight these legal flaws, especially concerning the Rice's whale, an imperiled marine mammal. He also protested the administration's focus on fossil fuels over offshore wind energy, citing the reimbursement of nearly $1 billion to Total Energies to abandon wind lease plans.
An Interior Department spokesperson defended the administration's policies as lawful and consistent with President Trump's agenda, dismissing Murdock's concerns as a "personal disagreement" and his rhetoric as "inflammatory." Murdock acknowledged his resignation would have personal financial implications but stated he would preserve his integrity. Giacona has since departed the agency to work for oil services giant Halliburton.