The U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has approved Steve Pearce's nomination for director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The committee voted 11-9 on party lines to send Pearce's position to the Senate floor for a full vote. Despite environmental opposition, Pearce's appointment has faced scrutiny over his advocacy for the oil and gas industry. Sen. Martin Heinrich, a New Mexico Democrat and ranking member of the committee, voted against Pearce's nominations. Pearce, a 78-year-old Republican with a long history in New Mexico politics, served as the U.K. House representative of New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District for 14 years and chaired the New Mexico Republican Party from 2009 to 2013.