Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Interior Nominee David Bernhardt Questioned Over Conflicts of Interest

As Congress moves toward confirming David Bernhardt as Deputy Director of the Department of Interior, questions are being raised his potential conflicts of interest. Bernhardt is currently the top lobbyist for the firm of Brownstein, Farber, Hyatt, Schrek, working on behalf of petroleum companies and Western water interests, including the Westlands Water District. He was the Interior Department’s Solicitor during the George W. Bush administration, and also part of the Trump transition team on environmental issues. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke nominated Bernhardt to be his Deputy. Last week the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee questioned the nominee about his history and views on environmental regulation. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.