Public Lands

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.

Ruination of Public Lands: All Uses, Everywhere, All the Time, Without Limit

by Jeff Ruch | July 8, 2026
Donald Trump will certainly not go down in history as the Conservation President. At the current rate, his legacy will be as our first Despoiler-in-Chief ...

Court Declines to Limit SF Bay Area Park Overflights

by PEER | June 25, 2026
2,700 Flights Across Golden Gate, Pt. Reyes, SF Maritime & Muir Woods ...

Bureau of Land Management Being Hollowed Out

by PEER | June 3, 2026
40% Staffing Cut Since 2024; All but One State Director Post Vacant ...

Letter opposing H.R.7695 – Roadless Rule Invalidation

by PEER | May 20, 2026
DESCRIPTION: Letter opposing H.R.7695 which would strip vital protections from 45 million acres of wild forests on our public lands by invalidating the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. TO: Chair Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse and members of the Federal Lands Subcommittee FROM: 350 ...

Interior Secretary Burgum is Playing with Fire

By all metrics, the upcoming 2026 fire season in the parched West looks like it may be one of the worst ever — with massive, dangerous forest fires. The Southeast has already seen several forest fires, with record numbers in Florida and Georgia. Fire response is more than just fighting ...