Trump taps new head for Interior Dept.

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday nominated acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, a former fossil fuel lobbyist, to lead the department in charge of administering and conserving federal lands.

If confirmed by the Senate, Bernhardt will replace former Secretary Ryan Zinke who resigned from the Interior Department in December amid controversy.

Bernhardt has been acting as head of the department after serving as its deputy under Zinke.

"David has done a fantastic job from the day he arrived, and we look forward to having his nomination officially confirmed!" Trump said on Twitter.

Before returning to the Interior Department in 2017, Bernhardt worked at lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, where he represented Halliburton and Samson Resources.