For the first 100 years of the National Park Service's existence, there has almost continually been an official director who leads the prestigious conservation agency. Now, that's changed.
The Trump administration has never had anyone in the official position of director — which comes with authority, direction, and influence over the Park Service. It's now almost certain there won't be a Senate-confirmed director for the entirety of the administration's first term.
Instead, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, a former oil industry lobbyist who helped weaken foundational environmental laws in the U.S., has maneuvered to have temporary or quasi-acting directors fill the post, even though federal law requires the president to nominate a director, who is then confirmed by the Senate. Last Friday, accomplished Park Service veteran David Vela, who was given the de facto title "director" though that wasn't his official job, announced his retirement. Secretary Bernhardt replaced Vela with Margaret Everson, who has served as Bernhardt's legal counsel for several conservation agencies, including the Park Service. Read more...
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