Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced the subcommittee ranking members for the 117^th Congress. Westerman issued the following statement:

“I’m so pleased to welcome this incredible lineup of leaders to the Natural Resources Committee. I’ve been able to work with many of them on this committee in the past, and I know they have an array of expertise that will equip them to be strong voices on these issues. As we begin this new Congress, I believe we have the best possible team ready to take on any challenge and show Americans that conservation is inherently conservative.”

Natural Resources Committee

Vice Ranking Member Louie Gohmert (R-Texas)

Insular Affairs 

Ranking Member Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico)

“I’m honored to continue serving as Ranking Member for Insular Affairs in the House Natural Resources Committee.  Besides overseeing Puerto Rico’s recovery and path to equality, I will work to support initiatives that promote the U.S. territories’ priorities, knowing firsthand the issues that impact us all.  I want to thank Ranking Member Bruce Westerman for his confidence and for allowing me to once again lead these efforts in our Committee.”

Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee

Ranking Member Pete Stauber (R-Minn.)

“I have tirelessly defended the right to responsibly develop our God-given natural resources, a key pillar of my district’s local economy that has been constantly under attack. The opportunity to lead the Republican efforts for the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee at this pivotal time in America will allow me a critical platform on which to fight for our way of life in northern Minnesota and defend against the constant attacks on high-wage American mining and energy jobs. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to using this new position to champion policies that will maintain American energy independence and end reliance on foreign minerals.”

Indigenous Peoples of the United States Subcommittee

Ranking Member Don Young (R-Alaska)

"I am very grateful to Republican Leader Bruce Westerman and my colleagues for selecting me to be Republican Leader of the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. The rich history of Alaska Natives is central to my state's history, culture, and way of life. My late wife, children, and grandchildren are Alaska Native, so supporting and empowering our Indigenous communities is not just good policy; it is a cause I hold very close to my heart. Last Congress, our Subcommittee made significant bipartisan progress on various fronts, including combating the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, bolstering tribal sovereignty, and expanding economic opportunity and health care access in Native American communities across the country. But there is still much work ahead of us this Congress, and I look forward to working with both Republicans and Democrats on the Subcommittee to ensure that our First Peoples can grow and thrive for generations to come."

National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee

Ranking Member Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho)

“It is an honor to serve as Ranking Member of the National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee, particularly with the strong impact of this committee on my home state of Idaho. The federal government controls 63% of Idaho’s natural resources and I am looking forward to having a greater influence in ensuring western states are properly represented in Washington, D.C.”

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

Ranking Member Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)

“I am honored to serve as ranking member of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and look forward to our important work in the 117th Congress, including holding the Biden Administration accountable.”

Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee

Ranking Member Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.)

“I am honored to serve as the leading Republican voice on the House Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife, and I thank the Committee’s Ranking Member, Bruce Westerman, for this opportunity. For more than half of my professional and political career, I have stood up and fought for agriculture and communities that rely on our water resources and are feeling the effects of a real and regulatory drought. I will take an active role in the consideration of all water issues coming before the panel. Whether it is dealing with regulations under the Clean Water Act; advocating against dam removal and addressing fish passage; encouraging responsible water storage policies; promoting low-cost, renewable electric power from federal water projects; or providing a thoughtful check and balance to the Biden Administration and the Democrat majority in Congress – I will work to ensure our water resources are managed wisely and to the benefit of communities across our nation.”