FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC

The Senate voted to confirm Acting Secretary David Bernhardt to be Secretary of the Interior (56-41).

Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed that the Senate decided to confirm the Secretary of the Interior with a record full of ethical conflicts and unwavering allegiance to the oil and gas industry. The Department of the Interior badly needs leadership that restores the public’s trust in its mission to conserve our natural resources, not more of the same failed policies and ethical challenges that have plagued the department under this administration. We will work tirelessly to hold Mr. Bernhardt and the Interior Department accountable to ensure that it does its job – to protect America’s public lands and wildlife and serve the public’s interest.”

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

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