Senate committee confirms Michael Biddle to Heritage Conservation Trust Fund board

Michael Biddle was confirmed by the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee to the Heritage Conservation Trust Fund Board after the nominee described his conservation background and interest in protecting waterways and open land.

Biddle said he has spent much of his career around rural communities and conservation programs, including prior service on the Farm Service Agency under a previous administration. He told the committee he wants to prioritize protecting streams, open land and working with landowners to maintain conservation programs in financially responsible ways. Biddle mentioned he has lived in Tennessee for three years and cited experience with conservation and agricultural programs in Upstate New York.

Senators asked questions about Biddle’s background and welcomed him to Tennessee. The committee voted to advance his appointment by recorded voice vote; the secretary recorded nine ayes.

Ending: The appointment was sent to the Senate calendar for final confirmation.