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USDA

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.

BLOG | Vilsack Pick Fails Scientific Integrity Test

by Jeff Ruch | February 3, 2021
Biden’s nominee for USDA Secretary, Tom Vilsack, had a dubious record on scientific integrity and ties to agri-business during his previous stint at USDA ...

Vilsack’s Disturbing Suppression of USDA Science 

by PEER | January 29, 2021
His Biotech Advocacy Quashed Research Showing Adverse Effects ...

Jonathan Lundgren, Former USDA Entomologist: A Bee Expert With His Integrity Intact

by PEER | March 17, 2020
When USDA’s research arm tried to stifle his research on the effects of pesticides on honey bees and the environment, Jonathan Lundgren fought back with PEER’s help ...

Coyote Control Based on Scientific House of Cards

by PEER | December 19, 2017
Complaint Seeks to End Federal Reliance on Flawed 42-Year-Old Study ...

USDA Scientific Integrity Policy Sputtering, Survey Shows

by PEER | April 20, 2017
Scientists Say Politics and Fear Loom Over Agricultural and Forestry Research ...