Field Offices

Senior Counsel

Jeff serves as Senior Counsel to PEER, where he specializes in civil service, scientific integrity, and whistleblower protection issues. Jeff was PEER’s Executive Director from 1997 to 2019 and its Pacific Director from 2019 to 2025. Previously, he was the Policy Director and a staff attorney at the Government Accountability Project, representing whistleblowers from both the public and private sectors. Before coming to DC, Jeff worked in California state government for 17 years, mostly in the State Legislature as counsel to various committees where he drafted hundreds of laws on topics ranging from energy conservation to the rights of employed inventors. Jeff served stints as a deputy district attorney and an appellate court clerk. He is a graduate of the California Correctional Officers Academy.

NOAA Balks at Steps to Save Remaining Right Whales  

by PEER | July 9, 2020
Scientists Ignored as Agency Delays Entanglement and Ship Strike Relief ...

Massachusetts Concedes Aerial Spraying Largely Ineffective

by PEER | July 7, 2020
Half of Spray Events Kill Zero Mosquitos; No Proof of Disease Reduction ...

Clear the air about Helmig

by Elizabeth Duan | July 4, 2020
“Last month, the University of Colorado Boulder released a scathing audit about the events that led to the firing of Detlev Helmig, formerly an associate research professor at CU’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. According to the audit, which was released June 18, Helmig ...

Helmig’s work has saved lives

“I read with interest Katie Langford’s June 19 story regarding Dr. Detlev Helmig. I was drawn to this since I have not only used Dr. Helmig’s research in my work, but also presented with him to audiences along the Front Range. I do not want to discuss guilt or innocence. I want ...

Cal/OSHA Inspectors AWOL During Pandemic

by PEER | July 2, 2020
Growing Backlog of Workplace Complaints; Vacancies Remain Unfilled ...

BLOG | Trump’s Dangerous Salute to Toadyism at Mt. Rushmore

by Jeff Ruch | June 29, 2020
Trump plans to stage a dangerous distraction disguised as fireworks at Mt. Rushmore, risking both wildfires and potentially, public health from the crowds ...
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