Trump's pick to lead Bureau of Land Management withdraws from consideration

Kathleen Sgamma, President Trump’s pick to lead the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), has withdrawn her name from consideration for the role.

Sgamma's decision was announced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, during what was supposed to be her confirmation hearing Thursday.

“I was informed by the White House earlier today that one of the nominees scheduled for consideration at today’s hearing, Kathleen Sgamma…has withdrawn from consideration," Lee said.

The White House confirmed the withdrawal, providing a statement from Sgamma, who previously served as the head of an oil and gas industry trade group called the Western Energy Alliance.

“It was an honor to be nominated by President Trump as Director of the Bureau of Land Management, but unfortunately at this time I need to withdraw my nomination,” she said in the written statement.  “I will continue to support President Trump and fight for his agenda to Unleash American Energy in the private sector.”

White House spokesperson Liz Huston, in a subsequent statement, said "we accept her withdrawal and look forward to putting forth another nominee."

The reason for Sgamma’s withdrawal was not immediately clear.

The Bureau of Land Management oversees federally owned lands, including energy production on those lands and other activities like recreation and livestock grazing.