Schumer Statement Following Meeting With Nominee For Interior Secretary David Bernhardt

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today released the following statement after his meeting with nominee for Interior Secretary David Bernhardt:

“In our meeting, I pressed Mr. Bernhardt on whether he would open up waters for drilling off of states opposed to offshore drilling, including New York, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and North and South Carolina. Mr. Bernhardt refused to guarantee that he wouldn’t go against the will of these states when it comes to offshore drilling and is apparently so eager to drill in the Atlantic, that he may even go back on the commitment his predecessor made to not drill off the coast of Florida.

“Additionally, Mr. Bernhardt provided no assurances that he views climate change as the serious crisis that it is, something that’s deeply troubling given the Department of Interior’s role in determining if oil and gas companies can drill on public lands.

“Lastly, Mr. Bernhardt also convinced me that he would not put public interests over corporate interests when making decisions about our public lands and natural resources and protecting them for future generations.”

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