Congressman Lowenthal Statement On Nomination Of Oil Industry Lobbyist To Head US Interior Department
February 5, 2019
Press Release
Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) today issued the following statement on the nomination by President Trump of former oil industry lobbyist David Bernhardt to head the United States Department of the Interior:
"David Bernhardt's appointment as Secretary of the Interior is another blatant step by this Administration to undermine the important work our federal agencies do assuring public safety and protection. Mr. Bernhardt has spent years representing exploiters of our public resources, including some of the worst actors in the agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and water industries. These conflicts of interest should clearly disqualify him from serving as the head of the Department of Interior, the agency responsible for conservation and oversight of our nation's national parks, public lands, and natural resources. If he is confirmed, I will use my position as Chair of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, to ensure the continued protection of our public lands and resources, while providing careful and strict oversight of Mr. Bernhardt's tenure."
"David Bernhardt's appointment as Secretary of the Interior is another blatant step by this Administration to undermine the important work our federal agencies do assuring public safety and protection. Mr. Bernhardt has spent years representing exploiters of our public resources, including some of the worst actors in the agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and water industries. These conflicts of interest should clearly disqualify him from serving as the head of the Department of Interior, the agency responsible for conservation and oversight of our nation's national parks, public lands, and natural resources. If he is confirmed, I will use my position as Chair of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and as a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, to ensure the continued protection of our public lands and resources, while providing careful and strict oversight of Mr. Bernhardt's tenure."