A literal reading of the reprimand this guy got shows the article quoted is over hyping what had happened to fit with their own agenda which is to bash any GOP politician or anyone who supports the pipeline project.
Personally, I am all-in for reprimanding and even firing a State Government employee who inserts political trigger-words into their official vocabulary.
Looks like he was reprimanded for insubordination, conduct unbecoming a public employee and a handful of other things.