Democrats Rake Bernhardt Over Coals On Climate, But Murkowski Happy To Kiss His Ass
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Bernhardt later said: “We completely respect that the climate is changing, and we need to study and address it,” and listed divisions of the department he said are making such efforts. Some of Bernhardt's comments echoed his past assertion that the legislative branch needs to take a greater role in directing the department to respond to climate change.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, subcommittee Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) agreed, saying it shouldn’t fall to one secretary to make such determinations, and criticized her colleagues for "rhetorical" questioning of the secretary. “I think the secretary, in response to rhetorical questions, is just kind of pointing out the obvious that the authority rests with Congress,” she said.
But Democrats have criticized Bernhardt for not viewing climate change as part of his job, with Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) arguing that Bernhardt is ignoring the intent of legislation.
“Blaming Congress is a dodge," Udall said. He also raised conflict of interest concerns related to Bernhardt's past as a lobbyist. “We could spend this entire hearing probing your various conflicts of interest," Udall said. "It’s clear you’re making decisions that benefit former clients instead of the American people."
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https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/445016-dems-grills-interior-head-over-climate-change-comments
