<span style="color: #222222;">The US Senate has confirmed Colorado native David Bernhardt as secretary of the Interior Department. <br />''<br />''The Republican-controlled upper chamber approved Bernhardt's nomination in a 56-41 vote, with support from several Democrats who crossed party lines yesterday.<br />''<br />'' Bernhardt, 49, was nominated by US President Donald Trump in February to replace Ryan Zinke, who resigned late last year amid ethics investigations. <br />''<br />''A former oil lobbyist, Bernhardt is expected to continue implementing the administration's goal of boosting domestic fossil fuels production, by opening more US public lands to drilling and mining.</span><br />