# Interior OIG Clears BOEM Official

The Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General (OIG) has completed an ethics investigation clearing Matthew Giacona, acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), of any violations related to his previous employment with the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA). The inquiry focused on potential conflicts of interest concerning a 2025 opinion on Gulf of Mexico oil and gas drilling activities. The OIG found no evidence of improper participation by Giacona in matters involving NOIA or its members, affirming adherence to federal ethics standards.

- This clearance removes uncertainty around BOEM leadership's impartiality in offshore energy procurement and regulatory decisions, which is critical for industry stakeholders engaged in Gulf of Mexico oil and gas projects.
- Procurement professionals should note the OIG's role in maintaining ethical compliance and the importance of transparent conflict-of-interest reviews in energy-related contracts.
- Companies involved in federal offshore energy procurements may find increased confidence in the integrity of BOEM's oversight and contracting processes following this investigation.
- The case underscores the need for clear ethics protocols when officials transition from industry roles to government positions impacting procurement and regulatory actions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of the Interior (DOI)
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
- Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)
- Office of Inspector General (OIG)

### Vendors
- National Ocean Industries Association (Former employer of official)
- Chevron (Oil and gas company involved in consultation)

### Key Quotes
> But this is exactly the problem with having a mole like Dennis Kirk inserted into the OIG 	6 it instantly plants a seed of doubt in everyone's minds about whether there was partisan interference.
> — Mark Lee Greenblatt, Former Interior Inspector General

### Sources
- [Interior watchdog clears official over agency work involving his former oil industry employer - Government Executive](https://www.govexec.com/oversight/2026/09/interior-watchdog-clears-official-over-agency-work-involving-his-former-oil-industry-employer/416049) - GovExec.com