Senate EPW questions Kevin Lily on ESA reform, park staffing and visitor access

Kevin Lily, President Trump’s nominee to be assistant secretary for fish and wildlife and parks, told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that his priorities would be keeping national parks open and safe, supporting career staff at the Fish and Wildlife Service, driving species recovery and addressing deferred maintenance.

In an opening statement, Lily said public lands ‘‘deepen my appreciation for the public lands entrusted to us’’ and pledged to ‘‘remain an unwavering steward of the precious resources under my watch.'' He pledged to work ‘‘hand in and with our tribal, state, and local partners and with the gateway communities’’ that depend on parks for economic activity.

Committee members pressed Lily on how he would balance species protections under the Endangered Species Act with the need to move infrastructure projects forward. Chairman Capido emphasized that ESA consultation processes have at times been ‘‘long, inefficient, and costly’’ and asked whether Lily would work with Interior’s Director and state regulators to avoid permitting delays while protecting species. Lily said he supports efforts to reform implementation where processes create ‘‘unintended consequences’’ and described delisting as a recovery goal that should be celebrated; he said litigation-driven reversals can undermine both species recovery and public confidence.

Ranking Member White House opened the hearing with a strongly critical statement about Interior policies, alleging the department had ‘‘let the doggy boys chase out nearly 1,800 employees, purging at least 530 biologists’’ and that recent decisions had favored oil-and-gas interests over wildlife protections. He warned of a ‘‘biodiversity crash’’ and urged the nominee to demonstrate that he would manage parks and refuges for the public good. Lily repeatedly expressed support for career staff and called career employees ‘‘inspired by their public service.’’

Members also pressed Lily on park access and gateway-community impacts. Senator Curtis said Arches National Park’s timed-entry system had reduced visitation and harmed local businesses; Lily said the department has pursued alternatives that use technology to reduce congestion, cited pilot programs at Yosemite, and committed to continued engagement with local leaders to balance access and conservation.

On staffing, Capido flagged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve’s recent attendance gains and urged a permanent superintendent; Lily promised to take a ‘‘personal interest’’ in hiring and leadership development for superintendents and deputies.

Lily answered the committee’s standard nominee pledges — to appear for committee requests, provide timely information and disclose conflicts of interest — in the affirmative. No final confirmation action occurred during the hearing; senators may submit written questions for the record by the deadline the chair announced at adjournment.

The hearing continues to be the venue for follow-up written questions and oversight of ESA implementation, park operations and staffing.