David Bernhardt
The probe by the Interior Department’s inspector general found that Bernhardt told a Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) team looking at possible effects of pesticides to change its methods and that he reviewed a draft opinion, according to a synopsis. Bernhardt had been the department’s deputy secretary at the time. “This change has delayed the completion of the opinion, but we found no evidence that Bernhardt exceeded or abused his authority or that his actions influenced or altered the findings of career FWS scientists,” the report said. “We also found no evidence that Bernhardt’s involvement in this matter violated his ethics pledge or Federal ethics regulations.”
Source: Probe clears Interior secretary after accusations of interfering with pesticide assessments – PressForm, Dec. 11, 2019
“We found no evidence that Bernhardt exceeded or abused his authority or that his actions influenced or altered the findings of career FWS [Fish & Wildlife Service] scientists,” said the Interior Department Office of Inspector General in its four-page report.
Source: Interior Secretary David Bernhardt cleared of meddling with endangered-species report – the Washington Times, Dec. 10, 2019
“The very qualities that make you qualified are being portrayed by detractors as strikes against you,” Senator Cory Gardner told Bernhardt at the hearing. “Instead of being portrayed as a competent lawyer who represents clients zealously and ably, you are being painted as compromised and in the pockets of industry.” Gardner and Bernhardt have known each other for more than twenty years, since they both worked for former Colorado state representative Russell George. Gardner said the nominee is “an honest man” and “one of the finest people I have ever worked with.”
Source: Senate Likely to Approve David Bernhardt at Interior, Conflicts and All – Westword, April 1, 2019 (NOTE: this is not a favorable article – just the one quote from Cory Gardner is favorable)
Secretary Department of Interior (Current)
Deputy Secretary of Department of Interior (Previous)
Hurting the environment
Doesn’t care about wildlife
Too many conflicts of interest
Smear campaign
Calls for resignation