Republican leaders on the House Natural Resources Committee are intensifying an ongoing investigation into Interior Secretary Deb Haaland over her alleged connections to the left-wing environmental activist group Pueblo Action Alliance (PAA). The investigation, led by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., centers on concerns of a potential “lack of impartiality and misuse of her position” for the benefit of PAA and her family members.
In a letter sent to Haaland and top Interior Department ethics official Heather Gottry, the committee cites evidence that suggests Haaland may have acted impartially and endorsed PAA’s work while serving as Secretary of the Interior. The letter also raises concerns about Haaland’s close relationship with PAA both prior to and during her tenure as Secretary.
The investigation was initiated after Haaland finalized a ban on fossil fuel leasing near the Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, a move that drew opposition from local Native American communities but was supported by other tribes and environmental groups. The PAA, which had previously advocated against new leasing near Chaco Canyon, actively lobbied against the ban.
The committee’s letter also highlights Haaland’s meetings with PAA Executive Director Julia Bernal and her husband’s consulting work for the Laguna Development Corp., which is affiliated with the Laguna Pueblo tribe. Both the PAA and the tribe have advocated for a buffer zone around Chaco Canyon where new leasing would be prohibited.
The committee expresses concern over Haaland’s lack of impartiality and the potential for her to misuse her position for the benefit of PAA. It also raises questions about the possibility of nonpublic information being shared with the organization due to their close relationship.
Additionally, the committee notes that PAA has collaborated with the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party and the Venceremos Brigade, groups that advocate for socialist and pro-Cuban Revolution policies. The Republicans request communications and documentation related to the investigation, as well as documents requested in June that have not yet been provided by the Department of the Interior.
The investigation is supported by Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., the chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The Department of the Interior and PAA have not yet responded to requests for comment.
This development adds fuel to the ongoing scrutiny of Haaland’s actions as Secretary of the Interior and raises questions about the potential conflicts of interest between her role and her ties to PAA. The investigation will continue to unfold as Republicans seek further information and clarity regarding Haaland’s alleged lack of impartiality and potential misuse of her position.
