According to the Washington Post, Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) has been tapped to lead the Interior Department under Donald Trump. The cabinet position oversees key agencies pertinent to life in the West, including the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Republican Congressman has supported Idaho Rep. Raul Labrador’s bill that would give states control of some federal land. During an interview with Montana Public Radio earlier this year, Zinke defended his position on public lands.
"I have always been a strong supporter of public lands, and have voted against the transfer or sale of public lands," says Zinke. "My position is known and well established."
Labrador was previously rumored to be on the President-elect's shortlist for the Interior position. The Idaho Congressman met with Trump on Monday.
Conservation groups have criticized the bill, saying it amounts to a state takeover of federal lands. Listen to this report from NPR for more on Zinke's positions.
Find Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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