The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Tuesday advanced the nomination of Colorado native David Bernhardt, who has been tapped by President Donald Trump for the post of deputy Interior secretary amid concerns from environmentalists.
His nomination was sent to the U.S. Senate floor on a 14-9 vote.
“He’s somebody who is going to stand up for the environment to protect our great outdoors,” U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, said in a video statement posted to Twitter on Tuesday. “(He’s) somebody who I know who will be a champion for Colorado values when it comes to protecting our environment for the next generation.”
Bernhardt, originally from Rifle, has held several positions at the U.S. Department of the Interior, including solicitor — the agency’s third-ranking position — and chief legal officer. He’s now a top executive with the Denver-based law and lobbying firm, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.
His recent clients include mining interests, energy companies and water groups. That portfolio has led some activists to question whether Bernhardt can be impartial.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has called Bernhardt “an excellent choice” and said “he is thoughtful and fair.”
I’m thrilled CO native David Bernhardt was approved by @EnergyGOP to become the next Deputy Secretary of the Interior. pic.twitter.com/3VuzvDyJVK
— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) June 6, 2017
The Center for Western Priorities and the Western Values Project have both spoken against Bernhardt’s nomination.
With Republicans in control of the Senate, the GOP can advance his nomination without help from Democrats if most of the caucus stays on board.
