The politics of the Department of the Interior under the Trump administration aren't likely to change, but new Secretary David Bernhardt is distinguishable from his predecessor thanks to a long history of oil industry lobbying.
"The Senate on Thursday afternoon voted to confirm David Bernhardt to lead the Department of the Interior," reports Umair Irfan.
"Bernhardt has been serving as acting secretary since January after Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke resigned late last year. He was nominated to be the permanent secretary in February."
According to Irfain, Secretary Bernharst's ascension follows a model set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last year, Here's the pattern: after the previous secretary, a Washington outsider, resigned in controversy, the deputy, a former industry lobbyist and Washington insider, ascends to the top position.
In addition to identifying that trend, Irfain also lists three ket things to know about the new Secretary of the Interior: 1) Bernhardt has many potential conflicts of interest, 2) Bernhardt is likely to continue former Secretary Ryan Zinke's agenda of reduced federal land protections and environmental regulations, and 3) Democrats are likely to keep a very close eye on Bernhardt should the new Interior Secretary run afoul of the law or ethics rules.
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