DENVER—Today Interior Secretary David Bernhardt appeared before the House Natural Resources Committee to testify about the Trump administration’s budget request and policy priorities for Fiscal Year 2020. In response, the Center for Western Priorities released the following statement from Executive Director Jennifer Rokala:
“As scientists warn of impending impacts of climate change, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt told members of Congress that he ‘hasn’t lost any sleep over it.’ Such a flippant response is disturbing, but not surprising, from a former oil lobbyist that seems hellbent on drilling and mining our public lands.
“When asked to give a specific example of denying a policy request from his former lobbying clients, Bernhardt attempted to point to his decision to weaken offshore drilling safety standards—a decision that his former clients actively applauded.
“After delivering policy favors for the oil and gas industry that he used to work for, it’s no wonder that Bernhardt has tried to hide his calendars from the public and block Congressional investigations seeking more information.”
Highlights:
- Bernhardt says he’s not losing sleep over record carbon dioxide levels
- Bernhardt says he denied giving favor to a former client with changes to Well Control Rule—a move his clients actually applauded
Learn more:
- Former clients, including the National Ocean Industries Association and Independent Petroleum Association of America, applaud Bernhardt’s decision to weaken offshore drilling safety standards.
- Hidden calendars show Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary met repeatedly with drilling, mining industries [Westwise]
- With David Bernhardt in office, the Interior Department has delivered policy favors for his former clients [Westwise]