Zinke tapped for Secretary of Interior, accepts the post

Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has been tapped to be the next Secretary of the Interior under the Trump Administration. Zinke, who often describes himself as a “Teddy Roosevelt Republican” supported Trump in his presidential bid.

“As inscribed in the stone archway of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner, Montana, I shall faithfully uphold Teddy Roosevelt’s belief that our treasured public lands are ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the people,’” Zinke said in a press release last week.

In his statement formally announcing Zinke’s nomination, Trump praised the Whitefish native’s record on “regulatory relief, forest management, responsible energy development and public land issues.”

“America is the most beautiful country in the world and he is going to help keep it that way with smart management of our federal lands,” Trump’s statement added.

Zinke was re-elected in November after serving one term in Congress. The Whitefish native has been a staunch advocate for the Land, Water and Conservation Fund and has also opposed the transfer of federal lands to the states.

But he has also supported the coal, oil and gas industry and promoted legislation that would increase timber harvest on federal lands. On a local note, he opposed the Superfund designation for the defunct Columbia Falls Aluminum Co, plant, arguing the state should oversee the cleanup and the company should post a bond for the work.

A Whitefish graduate, Zinke has a degree in geology from the University of Oregon and an MBA from National University and a master’s in global leadership from the University of San Diego. Zinke was a Navy Seal from 1986 to 2006 and served on Seal Team One for two years. He obtained the rank of Commander in the Navy.

In-state reaction to Zinke’s appointment was positive.

“I want to congratulate Congressman Zinke on this high honor. I’m pleased the President-elect nominated someone from the west for a post that’s critically important to Montana’s outdoor economy and way of life,” said Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat. “I look forward to sitting down with Congressman Zinke to discuss how we can increase public access to public land, protect our Constitutional right to clean air and water, and uphold our trust responsibilities to Indian country.”

Zinke said earlier this year that he was considering running against Tester in 2018.

Montana Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican, also endorsed Zinke.

“Ryan Zinke protected us abroad and in combat and I know he will do the same for our treasured public lands as Secretary of the Interior,” Daines said. “In Congress, I’ve seen Ryan stand up and fight to protect our way of life. As a westerner, Ryan understands the challenges of having the federal government as your largest neighbor and I couldn’t think of a better fit for Secretary of the Interior.”

Blackfeet Tribal chairman Harry Barnes favored Zinke’s appointment.

“This is a great day for Montana with the selection of Zinke as Secretary of the Interior,” Barnes said. “Zinke has worked steadfast on the Blackfeet Water Compact, which after over 30 years, was finally passed through Congress and we now await President Obama’s signature. The Blackfeet and other Montana tribes will have an ear in the Department of Interior, which oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs and has direct effect on the tribes. We have worked with outgoing Secretary Jewell and look forward to having the same great working relationship with Secretary-Designate Zinke. Congratulations to Congressman Zinke!”