protecting our parks

Of Counsel

Jeff Ruch

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.

Court Orders Curbs on Air Tours Over SF National Parks

by | November 13, 2024
FAA and NPS Embrace of Current Air Traffic Levels Ruled Inadequate ...

COMMENTARY | The Park Service Should Not Be Subsidizing Multi-Billion Telecoms to “Wire” Our National Parks

by | April 15, 2024
Legislation is advancing to require the NPS to provide broadband and cellular access in every park where there is a perceived need for greater coverage ...

Comment – NPS Proposed Climbing Directives

by | January 30, 2024
DESCRIPTION: Written comments regarding proposed climbing directives that would allow increase in climbing at expense of wilderness TO: National Park Service FROM: PEER; Wilderness Watch, Idaho Office; Alliance for the Wild Rockies; Alpine Lakes Protection Society (ALPS); Bold Visions ...

“P” in PEER Also Stands for Persistent

by | August 15, 2023
Persistence pays off for PEER even in the battle for the skies of national parks ...

COMMENTARY | Is Congress Too Dysfunctional to Fund the National Parks?

by Common Dreams | August 10, 2023
In past decades, America’s best idea was one of the few domestic programs enjoying bipartisan support ...
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Environmental Responsibility

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