Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- Questions surrounding Whitefish Energy’s, a company with deep and close ties to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s, $300 million contract continue to mount as the company’s contract was leaked late last night and as Zinke is set to meet with Donald Trump later today. The contract includes clauses stating that government bodies do not have the right to audit or review the costs and profits from the contract, and that the Puerto Rican government waives any claim against the company for delayed completion of work. As of today, 72% of Puerto Ricans are still without power.
Secretary Zinke’s close relationship with Whitefish Energy continues to come under scrutiny. Zinke’s son worked for Whitefish Energy, the company sought out Zinke’s -- not their senators or congressman -- assistance after winning a bid nearly 300 times larger than any previous work they’ve performed, and less than one year ago, Zinke went out of his way to help the company land a contract. Now, members of congress on both sides of the aisle are calling for an investigation into how Whitefish Energy received this contract, and Interior’s Inspector General is now looking into the matter as well.
In response, Sierra Club National Board Member and Former Commissioner of the Puerto Rico Energy Commission and Vice President of the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board Ramon Cruz released the following statement:
“This contract is a threat to the people of Puerto Rico, an insult to the American taxpayer, and an embarrassing scandal for the Trump Administration and should be cancelled immediately. The evidence is mounting that Ryan Zinke’s friends scored a no-bid contract that can never be audited and does not permit the government to act if their tiny company fails to get the power back on, all while more than 70% of families in Puerto Rico are sitting in darkness. Congress must continue to investigate this attempt to profit off of a tragedy, and this deal should be promptly cancelled so a responsible company can get the job done quickly for a reasonable rate. Meanwhile, if Donald Trump truly wants to drain the swamp, he should start with asking hard questions of Ryan Zinke, about what role he played in helping his friends land yet another embarrassing and dangerous sweetheart contract.”
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.