WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday confirmed acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to lead the department on a permanent basis, despite complaints by Democrats that the former oil and gas lobbyist has used his federal position to benefit former industry clients. The Senate voted 56-41 to approve Bernhardt's nomination to...
Trump Tabs Former Westlands Lobbyist to Lead Interior Dept.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says he's nominating a Washington veteran with lobbying ties to U.S. energy companies and farm water interests to lead the Interior Department. David Bernhardt, currently Interior's acting head, would replace Ryan Zinke if the Senate approves his nomination. Zinke resigned in December amid ethics investigations....
Is Denham Next in Line for Interior Secretary?
Congressman Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) is under consideration to be the next U.S. Secretary of the Interior, after the announcement that current jobholder Ryan Zinke is leaving at the end of the year. Denham, who lost his re-election bid last month to Democrat Josh Harder, could replace Zinke, according to inside...
Interior Secretary Wants Plan in 15 Days to Boost Water Deliveries
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke issued a memo Friday outlining his expectations that federal officials quickly come up with a plan to increase irrigation deliveries to farmers south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. "The time for action is now," Zinke wrote in an Aug. 17 memo that called for action...