Brian Nesvik Defends Deregulation Approach in US Fish and Wildlife Confirmation Hearing

Brian Nesvik, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), appeared before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, WyoFile reports.

Over the course of the two-hour session, Nesvik promoted an “America First” approach to conservation and emphasized his commitment to deregulation and state-federal collaboration.

A longtime Wyoming resident, Nesvik highlighted his extensive experience in wildlife management, rising from a game warden to director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. He underscored his hands-on expertise, describing his experience working in remote landscapes and managing some of the country’s most iconic species.

“I know how to put tire chains on a 4-wheel-drive pickup in a snowstorm, and I’ve classified deer from a helicopter,” Nesvik told the committee.

If confirmed, Nesvik would oversee 8,000 employees and a national wildlife refuge system spanning nearly 860 million acres. He would be the first person from Wyoming to hold the role since John Turner, who led USFWS during George H.W. Bush’s administration.

Nesvik aligned his policy vision with Trump’s “America First” agenda, advocating for streamlined regulations, technology-driven permitting, and voluntary compliance measures.

“Simplifying regulations, accelerating permitting with technology, and relying more on education, voluntary compliance, and verification… innovation outperforms regulation,” Nesvik said in his opening statement.

This approach resonated with Republican lawmakers, particularly Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, who criticized federal regulations as an obstacle to economic growth. Sullivan pressed Nesvik on whether he would support efforts to unlock Alaska’s natural resources.

“Absolutely,” Nesvik responded, pledging to work with Sullivan on the issue.

Confirmation hearings often provide an opportunity for the opposing party to scrutinize nominees, but Nesvik faced minimal pushback from congressional Democrats. While some questions focused on the balance between state and federal conservation efforts, there was no significant criticism of his record.

Nesvik acknowledged the complex relationship between state agencies and USFWS, particularly when it comes to enforcing the Endangered Species Act (ESA). He agreed that the ESA plays an important role but suggested that streamlining the consultation process could improve its effectiveness.

Wyoming’s top political leaders—Sen. John Barrasso, Sen. Cynthia Lummis, and Gov. Mark Gordon—formally introduced Nesvik at the hearing and voiced strong support for his confirmation.

Lummis likened him to “Wyoming’s real-life Joe Pickett,” referencing the fictional game warden from C.J. Box’s book series. Barrasso praised Nesvik’s military service in the Wyoming Army National Guard, while Gordon pointed to his role in the recovery of grizzly bears, gray wolves, and black-footed ferrets.

If confirmed, Nesvik would take charge of the Fish and Wildlife Service at a time of significant organizational change. The Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has reduced federal staffing, leading to layoffs in key wildlife programs. Cuts have affected Wyoming-based projects, including the black-footed ferret recovery program and the Lander Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office.

Nesvik declined to comment on how these reductions might impact his tenure, citing his pending confirmation. His nomination must still be approved by the full US Senate.