The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday cleared Interior and Energy department nominees largely along party lines.
The committee passed Kevin Lilly to be assistant Interior secretary for fish and wildlife by a vote of 11-9; William Hague to become assistant secretary for insular, international and ocean affairs at Interior by a vote of 12-8; and Kaveh Farzad to become assistant secretary of Energy for international affairs by a vote of 11-9.
Lilly’s resume includes chairing Texas’ Alcoholic Beverage Commission and serving as a commanding officer in the Texas State Guard. He has been serving in an acting capacity, helping lead the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.
Ranking member Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) said that while he had concerns about the administration’s actions on energy and public lands, Lilly “has taken my calls, listened to my concerns and shown a willingness to work with me.” Heinrich voted yes on that nominee.
