Public Lands

Of Counsel

Jeff serves as Of 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.

Lawsuit Seeks Ouster of Park Service and BLM Leaders  

by Susan Sargent | May 11, 2020
Violations of Constitution and Vacancies Act Charged for Unconfirmed Chiefs ...

BLOG: Sliming Lincoln’s Memorial

by Jeff Ruch | May 7, 2020
Interior Secretary Bernhardt ordered the Lincoln Memorial closed so that President Trump could give an interview on the current pandemic ...

Court Orders Limits on National Park Air Tours

by Susan Sargent | May 1, 2020
Within Two Years 23 National Parks Must Adopt Overflight Management Plans ...

Lawsuit Threat on Illegal Interior Appointments

by Susan Sargent | April 28, 2020
Redelegations for Park Service and BLM Violate Federal Vacancies Reform Act ...

Reopened National Parks Must Curb Overcrowding   

by Susan Sargent | April 27, 2020
Long-Neglected Law Requiring “Carrying Capacities” Should be Dusted Off ...

Can National Parks Practice Social Distancing?

by Jeff Ruch | April 13, 2020
The still-unfolding pandemic has underlined the public health risks that national parks and refuges pose both to the visiting public and their own employees. How can national parks dedicated to attracting crowds operate in a new era of social distancing ...
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