National

 

Sharp words precede Bernhardt testimony. “Sparks are flying in advance of a high-profile congressional hearing, with the Interior Department accusing two House committees of "political showmanship and threatening tactics" in the quest for information. In a four-page letter marked by stinging language, blunt characterizations, and words like "strange" and "shocking," Interior's chief congressional liaison, Cole Rojewski, pushed back aggressively against House Democrats' complaints about departmental foot-dragging, despite subpoena and salary-slashing threats coming from Congress.” [E&E News, 5/13/19 (=)]

Trump highly involved in July 4 planning, hopes to deliver Lincoln Memorial address, report says. “The Post said Trump has put responsibility for the event in the hands of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, who said, "the president is excited about the idea and we're working hard on it."  Bernhardt told the Post that they were planning to move the launch site for the fireworks from the traditional spot by the Reflecting Pool to create "a significant expansion of space that’s available to watch the fireworks from the Mall." And he told the paper there could be "some more surprises in store for the public, very very soon." ” [USA Today, 5/13/19 (=)]

House Democrats reschedule votes on tribal bills pulled after Trump tweet. “Democratic leadership has set a vote for Wednesday on H.R. 312, legislation co-sponsored by Rep. William Keating, D-Mass., maintaining the status of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reservation in the Bay State. A second proposal, H.R. 375, introduced by Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., would reaffirm Interior Secretary David Bernhardt's authority to take land into trust on behalf of Indian tribes. That measure is also due to be considered Wednesday, but under a streamlined process requiring two-thirds support in the House. As such, it needs the backing of House Republicans.” [Washington Examiner, 5/13/19 (=)]

Greens fight grazing rights renewed after Trump pardon. “A coalition of environmental groups is mounting a legal challenge to former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke's controversial decision to reinstate grazing rights for Oregon father-and-son ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond following President Trump's pardon of their arson convictions. The Bureau of Land Management in 2014 declined to renew the Hammonds' four grazing permits on 26,000 acres of federal land after the pair was convicted in 2012 of setting fire to adjacent federal lands.” [E&E News, 5/13/19 (=)]

 

State and Local

 

Ariz. Republican wants top Grand Canyon job filled now. “Arizona Republican Sen. Martha McSally urged Interior Secretary David Bernhardt yesterday to hire a superintendent for Grand Canyon National Park "as soon as possible.” McSally cited four deaths in the park since January and ongoing problems with sexual and workplace harassment at the National Park Service unit as top reasons to fill the job immediately.” [E&E News, 5/14/19 (=)]

Gordon poised to put his stamp on sage grouse plan. “Core-area leasing and mitigation banking rules are atop the list of issues raised by 78 commenters who responded to Gov. Mark Gordon’s call for input on amending the state’s sage grouse conservation plan. Gordon intends to modify the executive order implemented by former Gov. Dave Freudenthal and amended by Gov. Matt Mead — Wyoming’s primary regulatory mechanism that seeks to protect the imperiled bird and keep it off the endangered species list while allowing other uses of state, federal and private land to continue. He’ll meet with the Sage Grouse Implementation Team in Cheyenne tomorrow and recommend changes to the lauded management regime.” [WyoFile, 5/14/19 (=)]

 

Op-Ed, Editorial, and Analysis

Op-Ed: Clutching to fossil fuels, and losing, in the era of climate change. “These cases add to a growing list of court losses — at the hands of both Democratic and Republican-appointed judges — on the administration’s rocky road towards deregulation. Time and again, the administration has overlooked legal guidelines when seeking to implement its agenda, leaving it with few policy successes. In its irrational push backward to a “drill baby drill” era, the Trump administration has been effectively thwarted by states and environmental advocates.” [The Hill, 5/14/19 (+)]