Today, Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) announced updated assignments and subcommittee leadership appointments for the House Committee on Natural Resources during the 115^th Congress.

Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) will serve as the new Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) will serve as the new Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) will be a new member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and no longer on the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

“I’m excited to announce changes to our subcommittee leadership as we press forward with creative solutions from addressing our wildfire crisis and promoting forest resiliency to modernizing infrastructure and outdated environmental laws,” Chairman Bishop said. “Reps. Westerman and LaHood will be driving forces on important issues before the committee and I look forward to working with them in these new leadership roles.”

“For too long, agencies have run rampant by intentionally misinterpreting the will of the people and Congress,” Westerman said. “As the new chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, I pledge to make sure our natural resources and the federal agencies that oversee them work for the American people. If an agency is operating in an overreaching or unconstitutional manner, this subcommittee will take action. I thank Chairman Bishop for entrusting me with this important position and commit to work together with my colleagues in the best interests of the American people and our natural resources.”

“I am honored to be appointed as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Federal Lands for the Natural Resources Committee. As a father of three boys who regularly enjoy the outdoors, I witness firsthand how our federal lands represent great opportunities for recreation, and also economic opportunities that can benefit our entire country. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this subcommittee to preserve these lands so that current and future generations may continue to enjoy the natural beauty and resources of our great country,” LaHood stated.