Yesterday afternoon, Republican U.S. Senator Cory Gardner introduced Deputy Interior Secretary nominee David Bernhardt, a Colorado native, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. As we noted, Colorado Democrat U.S. Senator Michael Bennet was nowhere to be found, but, fortunately, Gardner was gracious enough for two elected officials.
In case you weren’t glued to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing channel, we’ve brought you Gardner’s introduction to Bernhardt via YouTube. Gardner’s rationale for supporting Bernhardt? Nobody would better serve the Department of the Interior better than someone who truly loves, respects, and understands the West. We couldn’t agree more. Gardner’s sentiment is shared by the numerous groups backing Bernhardt’s nomination, including: Colorado River District, Colorado Water Congress, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
From Gardner’s introduction:
“Rifle [Bernhardt’s birthplace] is centrally located within a few miles of the iconic Grand Mesa (the world’s largest flat-topped mountain), the Flat Tops Wilderness, and the Roan Plateau. It represents a home base among these public lands with virtually unmatched access to world-class outdoor experiences, which is why Mr. Bernhardt has such a passion for these issues.”
Check out Gardner’s rousing introduction of Bernhardt, who, if confirmed, will serve as the chief operating officer for the Department of the Interior: