Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito led a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing to discuss the nominations of Brian Nesvik, Jessica Kramer, and Sean Donahue for key roles within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The focus was on regulatory processes and state interaction.

During the session, Chairman Capito emphasized the need for effective collaboration between federal agencies and state governments. She addressed Brian Nesvik regarding his past experiences as Director of Wyoming Game and Fish in coordinating with state regional FWS field offices. Nesvik acknowledged existing tensions but stressed his understanding of both sides' challenges: "I have had many years of opportunity to interact with... different employees of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service... One of the things that's been very helpful for me... is understanding both my frustrations with some of those decisions... but also understanding what challenges those folks face."

The discussion also covered Section Seven consultations under the Endangered Species Act. These consultations are critical in protecting threatened species during federal permitting processes but often face delays. Chairman Capito asked if Nesvik would commit to expediting these consultations while ensuring wildlife protection. Nesvik responded, “I'm very interested in digging into... where we can find some efficiencies.”

Chairman Capito also raised concerns about the Muddy Creek Restoration Project in West Virginia, which demonstrated successful environmental restoration through innovative strategies. She questioned how similar models could be implemented by the EPA's water office. Jessica Kramer expressed her intent to explore such opportunities: "If I have the honor of being confirmed... one of the things that we will focus on... is looking at every one of the regulatory matrixes that we implement as the EPA."

The hearing highlighted significant issues related to regulatory certainty and state-federal interactions.