Washington, D.C. — The Natural Resources Committee recently selected Doc Hastings, R-4th District, to be their chairman.

The appointment was made by the Republican Conference.

Hastings replaces former chairman, Rep. Nick J. Rahall, IlI.

As chairman, Hastings will work with other Republicans to focus on reducing spending, getting people back to work and ensure the committee work is open and transparent to the public, he stated.

The Natural Resources Committee oversees such issues as fisheries and wildlife, including research, restoration, refuges and conservation.

The oversee forest reserves and national parks created from public domain, international fishing agreements and petroleum conservation on public lands.

Hastings will oversee five subcommittees as part of his new duties, including subcommittees governing ocean and wildlife, national parks, water and power and energy and mineral bodies.

“By utilizing our vast natural resources in a safe, environmentally responsible way, we can create and keep jobs here in America, grow our economy and ensure that we are not dependent on foreign countries with far lower environmental standards,” stated Hastings.

Hastings stated he planned to pursue excess governmental usage in regards to energy, environment and lands that cost “American jobs, lock-up resources and increase federal spending.”