Wetlands policy causes GOP friction

Cramer puts hold on Trump nominees over wetlands

Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer (N.D.) is placing a hold on all future Trump nominees over the administration’s approach to wetlands.

In a statement shared with The Hill, Cramer expressed disappointment that the administration is leaving a Biden-era wetland policy in place for the time being — and indicated that he would not advance the president’s nominees as a result.

“The blind defense of a Biden rule favored by environmental extremists at the expense of farmers confounds me, particularly at a time when our ag producers are hurting so badly,” he said.

“My farmers are furious and so am I. There won’t be another nominee confirmed until something changes,” he said.

The holds were first reported by E&E News .

Holds can slow the process of confirming nominees, requiring the Senate to spend hours debating them and taking additional votes for each nominee.

Cramer’s hold comes as the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) decided not to move forward with changes to a Biden-era policy that sought to prevent the draining of wetlands that were protected under conservation easements — thereby protecting duck habitat.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, I’m Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.

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