[Comments on Review of Alleged Conflict-of-Interest Violations by Former DOE Administrator]

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO commented on conflict-of-interest allegations involving the former Administrator of the Economic Regulatory Administration. GAO determined that, while the former Administrator did not violate conflict-of-interest statutes, he did violate Department of Energy (DOE) standards of conduct by: (1) sending his resume to a firm involved in a government matter in which he had personal and substantial involvement; and (2) attending a dinner as the guest of a public relations specialist. GAO noted that DOE recused the former Administrator from a case involving the firm to which he sent his resume.