Why it Matters

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will examine the nomination of Kevin Lilly to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife, a position that oversees both the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Lilly's confirmation would place a wealth manager with no conservation or federal land management experience in charge of managing hundreds of millions of acres of public lands and wildlife resources. His tenure as the acting official in this role has already drawn legal scrutiny and produced significant policy shifts on hunting and fishing regulations.

The Acting Record

Lilly was appointed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum as Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks in August 2025, months before his formal nomination in February 2026. During his time in the acting role, he signed a Federal Register rule expanding hunting and fishing in the National Wildlife Refuge System. An environmental watchdog group, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, alleged that his appointment as an acting official may have violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

The position he seeks to fill permanently was vacated by Shannon Aneal Estenoz's resignation.

Support and Scrutiny

The Coalition of Large Tribes issued a formal letter of support for Lilly's nomination on April 20, 2026. His nomination was referred jointly to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Environment and Public Works Committee.

The broader Interior Department context adds pressure to the confirmation process. The department plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 2,050 employees, with 143 positions targeted within the Fish and Wildlife Service itself.

The Kevin Lilly Hearing Details

Senator Shelley Moore Capito chairs the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse serving as Ranking Member. The Kevin Lilly hearing is scheduled for June 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM in room 406 Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Lilly is from Texas and is an Army veteran.

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