Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today voted with the committee to advance David Bernhardt’s nomination to become Secretary of the Interior, and U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) announced his support for Bernhardt’s nomination. Bernhardt will be considered by the full Senate next. 

“As a Westerner and a former Department of Interior Solicitor, Deputy Secretary and now Acting Secretary of the agency, David Bernhardt brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the job, and will be ready to hit the ground running on day one,” said Senator Risch. “David has a long history of working across the aisle to achieve solutions and I hope we can advance his nomination quickly on the floor. I look forward to voting yes.”

“As Acting Secretary of DOI, Mr. Bernhardt has already recognized collaborative work done in Idaho with regard to Sage Grouse conservation,” said Senator Crapo. “He is well qualified to lead DOI, and I am confident he will continue to coordinate with Idahoans in on-the-ground natural resource management efforts.  I look forward to supporting his nomination when it comes before the full Senate.”

After serving in several prominent positions at DOI, David Bernhardt was nominated to serve as Secretary of Interior. Bernhardt currently serves as Acting Secretary of Interior. Immediately preceding, he served the agency as Deputy Secretary. From 2001 to 2009 he held the positions of Solicitor, Deputy Solicitor, Deputy Chief of Staff, Counselor to the Secretary, and Director of the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs. Bernhardt was raised in Colorado and has demonstrated his understanding of Western priorities by already collaborating with states and prioritizing on-the-ground decision making.