David Bernhardt

All said they supported removing grizzlies from protected status under the Endangered Species Act.

The Payment in Lieu of Taxes program was set up in 1977 because local governments cannot tax federal property,

The Fish and Wildlife Service worked closely with the states in preparing the proposed rule.

Bernhardt is a former lobbyist for the oil and gas industry and other corporate interests who became the acting secretary after Zinke resigned in December amid multiple ethics investigations.

Bernhardt is expected to face questions about any potential conflicts of interest over his past lobbying for oil and gas, corporate agriculture and others.