U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, highlighted important Natural State issues while participating in a hearing on the nominations of Brian Nesvik to be Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Jessica Kramer to be Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water of the Environmental Protection Agency. The senator elevated critical Arkansas priorities including wildlife management, wetland conservation and water infrastructure.

While addressing Nesvik, Boozman – a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission – noted that the population of ducks in Arkansas has remained stable due largely to duck hunters’ commitment to wetland and waterfowl conservation. He questioned Nesvik on his plans to maintain the Migratory Bird Program and efforts to support outdoor recreation such as hunting and fishing through the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Boozman also noted the water infrastructure challenges facing communities across Arkansas and beyond, and pressed Kramer to look for opportunities to cut red tape, promote flexibility and engage local and state officials with respect to modernizing and improving drinking water and irrigation systems.