Utah Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney voted Thursday to confirm President Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary, David Bernhardt.
Romney issued the following statement: “I recently met with Mr. Bernhardt to discuss a wide range of issues impacting Utah, such as the need for greater state and local involvement in public lands issues.
Based on our discussion and his years of experience managing federal lands, I believe he has a solid understanding of issues affecting Utah and Western states. I will support his confirmation and look forward to working with the Department of the Interior to ensure that Utah has a voice in public lands decisions.”
The Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Deputy Director Aaron Weiss:“If this was the Department of Oil and Gas Drilling, David Bernhardt would be the perfect candidate for the job. But as Deputy Interior Secretary, Bernhardt proved over and over again that he will always put his former clients’ wishes ahead of the needs of America’s public lands. Starting today, it’s vital that Congress carry out its oversight responsibilities to shine a bright light on Bernhardt’s past and future actions at the Interior Department.”
