Colorado native David Bernhardt won Senate confirmation as deputy Interior secretary, the No. 2 job at the department, on a mostly party-line vote, reported the Denver Post. A high-ranking Interior official in the past and most recently part of a law-and-lobbying firm in Denver, Bernhardt was described by Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren as a walking conflict of interest.
Bernhardt’s clients recently included mining interests, energy companies and water groups. “That portfolio has led some activists and those on the left to question whether Bernhardt can be impartial,” said the Post. Opponents pointed to media reports that Bernhardt worked for Westlands Water District, the largest U.S. irrigation district, at the same time he served on the Trump transition team. His firm represented Westlands in four lawsuits against Interior.
At his confirmation hearing, Bernhardt said he would recuse himself for a year from any matters involving Westlands and other clients unless he receives authorization to take part, said the newspaper. The nomination was supported by groups such as the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said Bernhardt will be a knowledgeable and experienced leader at Interior. “America’s ranchers can’t wait to start working with him to become even better stewards of our nation’s public and private lands.”