USGS

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.

Whistleblower Prevails after Appeal Challenge by USGS

by | December 19, 2023
Microbiologist Targeted for Reporting Animal Welfare & Biosafety Failures ...

Evi Emmenegger: Blowing the Whistle on Biosafety

by | October 17, 2023
After 28 years of excellent job performance, Evi Emmenegger was targeted and fired by USGS management for raising a series of biosafety concerns ...

PEERMail | Ending a Culture of Reprisal at USGS

by | October 17, 2022
We are here to protect scientists like Evi Emmenegger who was fired after reporting dangerous biosafety breaches at a wildlife disease laboratory ...

Ruling Bares Reprisal Culture Atop USGS Lab

by | October 6, 2022
Judge Finds Retaliation for Dangerous Biosafety Breakdown Reports ...

COMMENTARY | U.S. Geological Survey Labs Must Cure Culture of Reprisal

by | October 5, 2022
Third party review will help prevent future scientific scandals at the U.S. Geological Survey by providing a safe channel for USGS scientists to report problems without fear of reprisal ...
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Environmental Responsibility

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EIN: 93-1102740