Chris Van Hollen: “Mr. Clark's nomination is yet another example of the Trump administration nominating individuals to lead government…”

“Mr. Clark's nomination is yet another example of the Trump administration nominating individuals to lead government offices whose missions they have opposed. The Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice is uniquely charged with the ``stewardship of the nation's natural resources and public lands.'' Yet, in the face of the overwhelming evidence of climate change, Mr. Clark says the science is debatable. It isn't, and this is not the time to have someone in this position who refuses to acknowledge facts and confront the costs and risks of inaction. In addition, like many Trump nominees, Mr. Clark is skeptical of the longstanding Chevron doctrine which states that courts must give deference to agency regulations because agencies are staffed with subject matter experts and that judges, who are only supposed to interpret the law, are not qualified to substitute their opinions. Large corporate polluters frequently challenge EPA regulations designed to safeguard our waters, endangered species, and natural resources, and we need a person in this position who will side with the scientists and public health experts, not big polluters. Americans deserve an associate attorney who is committed to protecting their interests and not big-monied special interests. I do not believe that Mr. Clark is that person, and I will be voting against his nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the previous order, all postcloture time is expired.…”