Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing frames Interior Department’s role on public lands, water and energy

A committee member at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee opened a hearing addressing the Department of the Interior’s role in managing public lands, meeting tribal trust responsibilities, responding to wildfires and supporting the West’s energy and water transition.

The committee member urged support for firefighters amid "the horrific wildfires in California over the last couple of weeks" and said members would press Governor Burkhum with questions about how the Interior Department can ensure wildfire response and firefighter support. The member said public lands are central to American recreation and veterans’ wellbeing,…