Herbert picks a top national BLM official and former Stewart aide to lead Utah Department of Natural Resources

Gov. Gary Herbert has selected a top Bureau of Land Management official to head the Utah Department of Natural Resources, succeeding longtime Director Mike Styler, who retires June 1. Logan native Brian Steed is the BLM’s deputy director over policy and programs and also served as chief of staff to Rep. Chris Stewart from 2013 to 2017, when he joined the BLM, serving as its acting head for a time. He is currently listed as “exercising authority of the director” of the agency, which has not had permanent leadership since the arrival of the Trump administration. “Brian is not only qualified for this position, he is also passionate about implementing best management practices for Utah’s natural resources,” Herbert said. “His commitment to sound environmental policy will be an integral part of his service in this new role, and I look forward to working with him. A former deputy attorney for Iron County, Steed holds a doctorate in public policy with an emphasis in environmental policy from Indiana University, Bloomington, and earned a law degree at the University of Utah with a certificate in natural resources and environmental law...MORE

Now we wait to see who will be “exercising authority of the director” at the BLM. I don't foresee a Director nominee unless Trump wins a second term. Who knows? Perhaps Bernhardt will approach this differently than Zinke.