Ethics concerns raised amid EQC funding fight

A conversation between an Environmental Quality Council member and a lawmaker amid a legislative funding fight has raised concerns about whether the council member is trying to undermine the agency.

The exchange also prompted questions about inappropriate lobbying by a member of the executive branch.

The council member, Nick Agopian, works in government affairs for Devon Energy. He is a registered Wyoming lobbyist for the company. Agopian opposed a September 2017 council decision to deny a state permit needed to open a new coal mine near Sheridan until further work was done by mining company Ramaco Carbon. The decision was lamented on the House floor Wednesday during debate over the council’s budget for the next two years.

Agopian was appointed by Gov. Matt Mead and was confirmed by the Senate. EQC members follow a handbook for those appointed to state boards. It includes instructions that appointees must refrain from lobbying the Legislature.

Read more: http://www.wyofile.com/ethics-concerns-raised-amid-eqc-funding-fight/