On February 4, President Trump officially nominated David Bernhardt to become the next Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Bernhardt had previously served as the Deputy Secretary of the department and had been acting in the position since former Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke stepped down on January 2. Bernhardt has had significant connection to the department since the early 2000’s, serving in various capacities that culminated in being confirmed as the department’s solicitor in 2006. In between the Bush Administration and the Trump Administration, Bernhardt worked at the law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP. He was raised in Rifle, Colorado, and is an avid hunter and angler. While many environmental organizations have criticized his work for the energy industry, many in the conservation community have supported his nomination.

“I have known and worked with David Bernhardt for more than a decade and we are excited to continue to work with him as the new Secretary of the Interior,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall. “His integrity in following the law is beyond reproach. David Bernhardt is a champion of conservation and the right person for the job. We urge the Senate to swiftly confirm him.”